Calgary, Rocky View County propose inland port project
The agreement is expected to generate over $7 billion in economic activity and create more than 30,000 jobs in the Calgary region over the next decade.
Key Takeaways:
- The Prairie Economic Gateway agreement is expected to generate over $7 billion in economic activity and create more than 30,000 jobs in the Calgary region over the next decade, addressing the city’s rapid growth and increasing job demands.
- By leveraging the existing Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail network, the initiative aims to improve supply chain efficiency, expand trade access, and reduce reliance on seaports, strengthening the region’s economic resilience.
- The partnership between Calgary and Rocky View County highlights the power of municipal collaboration in driving infrastructure investment, market expansion, and economic diversification, with plans to secure further government and private sector funding.
The Whole Story:
The City of Calgary and Rocky View County have approved the Prairie Economic Gateway agreement, a historic partnership projected to generate over $7 billion in economic activity and create more than 30,000 jobs across the region over the next 10 to 12 years.
Strategically located adjacent to Calgary’s eastern limits, the proposed inland port will leverage the region’s existing Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail network to enable greater interprovincial trade and access to global markets while unlocking new opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, processing and distribution. Officials say that improving supply chain efficiency and reducing reliance on seaports, the Prairie Economic Gateway will enhance trade resilience in the region and mitigate economic disruptions.
The Prairie Economic Gateway is a leading example of what can be achieved when municipalities work together to unlock the industry’s potential to create jobs and generate prosperity.
Rocky View County Reeve Crystal Kissel
“Three years ago, I envisioned a bold new future for Calgary, where our city could be home to the strongest inland port in North America,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Today, I am proud to say we are turning that vision into reality. Prairie Economic Gateway is not just a project. It is a promise of prosperity, productivity and opportunity that will transform our region for future generations.”
The agreement formalizes almost two years of collaboration between the municipalities. Recognizing that Calgary is Canada’s fastest-growing metropolitan area and will need more than 110,000 new jobs in the next five years, officials stated that the Prairie Economic Gateway highlights the critical importance of investing in essential infrastructure.
“The Prairie Economic Gateway is a leading example of what can be achieved when municipalities work together to unlock the industry’s potential to create jobs and generate prosperity,” says Rocky View County Reeve Crystal Kissel. “In collaboration with the City of Calgary, this partnership focuses on removing impediments to growth by coordinating infrastructure development, expanding markets and diversifying the regional economy.”
This approval enables The City of Calgary and Rocky View County to take the next steps in securing funding from other orders of government and private sector partners.
“The Prairie Economic Gateway is a great example of the amazing work that can be done when municipalities work together,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affiars. “The collaboration between the City of Calgary and Rocky View County will create jobs, drive investment and spur economic growth in the region. This shared vision between the two councils will create stronger and more resilient communities now and well into the future.”
