We are thrilled to announce that the Taza Water Reservoir at Taza Park Phase 1 has won a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence for its unique and thoughtful approach to providing water infrastructure for the future 500-acre Taza Park.  

While water infrastructure is not usually a celebrated project type, the team understood that the cultural importance of water to the Tsuut’ina meant the building had to have a presence on site. Situated at one of two major entrances to Taza Park, the project aspires to contribute positively to the public realm, while also expressing the core values of the overall Taza Development.

Aiming to be Net Zero, the pumphouse building will use appropriate wall assemblies and solar panels for the building’s electrical requirements. The panels will be installed along the solar fence, which not only supplies power but acts as a culturally expressive gateway marker as well as a security fence for the reservoir.

As Canadian Architect juror Michael Moxam summarizes the project:

“…the starting point for this powerful project is the amazing idea that a water reservoir could symbolize the union between the Tsuut’ina culture, the land, and the water. It reinterprets the idea of the security fence as a solar fence – an element of cultural expression inspired by the beaver dam – creating a gateway to Taza Park”

The team is honoured to receive the award and believes that the project is at once a symbol of sustainability, a celebration of Taza values, and a reminder of the cultural importance of water to the Tsuut’ina Nation.

Construction of the reservoir will begin in the Fall of 2021.