Cultural connection blended with daily convenience makes Taza Development Corporation’s newest project, The Shops at Buffalo Run, a commercial gem on Calgary’s southwest edge.
With more than 30 tenants already welcomed into the vibrant new retail hub, The Shops at Buffalo Run have a mix of shopping and professional service opportunities that complement the exciting development on the Tsuut’ina Nation.
The goal was to provide high-quality shopping, dining and daily services while being an economic driver for the Tsuut’ina Nation, providing employment and further economic development, according to Maureen Henderson, Vice President of Community Experience with Taza Development Corp.
“It’s a unique value proposition so that the daily convenience of the amenity is there before the rest of the community builds out as Buffalo run will continue to develop,” Henderson said.
“When you’ve got all of that amenity at the very beginning, it makes the value proposition that much better.”
There’s 270,000 square feet of retail, dining and professional service space in the area, with tenants such as Canadian breakfast favourite Pur & Simple, Petfinity and Petzoic Vet Hospital conveniently located together, and popular chains like KFC, Gold’s Gym, and Dairy Queen. It’s rounded out by local favourites, Complete Health Chiropractic & Massage, Warrior Supplements and the Buffalo Run Pharmacy.
“In every shopping haven, you want everything, and all at your fingertips,” said Henderson.
“In the early stages, as our vision came together, the goal was to offer a variety of choices that would make it effortless and appealing for people to choose us as their daily destination.”
Connection to the people
The entire master-planned area of Taza is on 1,200 acres of Tsuut’ina land, and includes three community villages: Buffalo Run, Taza Park, and the Crossing. It’s planned to incorporate commercial, retail and residential as a gradual build-out over the next several years.
The vision is to provide destinations that work together with a mix of cultural, community and innovative experiences to draw in a wider audience from the Calgary and regional area.
The Shops at Buffalo Run will have a grand opening event June 7 from 12 to 4:30 pm, with “Blossom and Bloom” as the theme for that day. It pays tribute to spring’s emerging crocuses, which has an important meaning to the Tsuut’ina people, as it signifies the end of winter and the emerging season. It symbolizes the new life cycle and a signal for other plants to grow and flourish.
The commitment to honouring Tsuut’ina heritage was critical for the Taza Development Corp. and is shown throughout The Shops at Buffalo Run.
Elders and cultural advisors helped shape the architectural guidelines to ensure it was both culturally sensitive and authentic. They provided guidance on building styles, landscaping and public art to reflect Tsuut’ina values and traditions.
They have also included street signs and storefronts in the Dené language as a reminder of the cultural and natural environment, showcasing their dedication to preserving the Tsuut’ina language.
“The goal has always been to create a lasting legacy for the Nation and other Indigenous communities. It’s about showing how cultural elements and historical significance can be thoughtfully integrated into development, sparking curiosity and a desire to learn more,” shared Henderson.
Beyond that, The Shops and Buffalo Run and the Taza Development as a whole are designed to serve as a blueprint for future Indigenous community developments. They want to foster socio-economic prosperity, strengthen community connections, and uphold Tsuut’ina values and traditions.
The Shops at Buffalo Run are easily accessible off Tsuut’ina Trail (ring road) and 130 Avenue SW, just past the Costco.
