A new 7000 m3 water reservoir was constructed for Canderel Land Development Corp to support the Taza Park Development on Tsuu’tina Nation, east of Calgary, Alberta.
The Nation is developing the land into a vibrant mixed-use community and entertainment destination that will encompass 470 acers. This critical piece of infrastructure provides potable water for the Nation as it builds one of North America’s largest First Nation developments.
Using pull planning, our civil construction team was able to plan and execute a self-performed concrete pour for the entirety of the reservoir. Additionally, we relied on collaborative construction methods to work with other contracts onsite to mount interior steel support beams and anchor the pumphouse building.
Various methods are being used to reduce the lifetime energy use of the final building, primarily involving water pumping for the distribution network. This includes peak and demand management for the distribution system and matching pump capacity to demand.
The pump house also uses glulam beams and columns to sequester lifetime carbon of the facility. The roof decking is made of tongue and groove wood boards, sourced from sustainable partners.
This project was designed to be a show piece for the community in addition to serving as a critical piece of infrastructure, and the team delivered. The building has many key elements for highlighting the significance of water for First Nation Communities, community engagement, and aesthetics. In 2020 the building design received a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence, recognized for its ability to reimagine infrastructure as an element of cultural expression and symbology.