Calgary is set to accelerate the development of the ambitious Prairie Economic Gateway, a multi-billion-pound logistics hub, following a newly signed agreement with Rockyview County. The collaboration, formalised on Tuesday through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), aims to expedite the transition from design to construction at the site located on the city’s southeast periphery.
A Vision Takes Shape
The Prairie Economic Gateway, which is envisioned as an “inland port,” will occupy a substantial 1,300 acres along 114 Avenue S.E. This initiative marks a significant regional partnership between the City of Calgary and Rockyview County, with the goal of creating one of Canada’s largest trade, logistics, and manufacturing hubs, bolstered by the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail network.
Oyin Shyllon, the city’s project manager for the Gateway, remarked on the importance of the agreement with the CIB, calling it a pivotal step in transforming the project from a conceptual framework into tangible progress. “This is about moving from regional potential into coordinated action,” Shyllon expressed in an interview with Global News, emphasising the momentum the agreement brings to Calgary’s economic future.
Framework for Future Development
The newly established MOU outlines a comprehensive framework that enables involved organisations to evaluate the commercial, technical, and financial viability of the necessary public infrastructure. This infrastructure is crucial for facilitating future development in the area. Ben Manshanden, Rockyview County’s manager of intergovernmental services and economic development, praised the CIB’s expertise, characterising it as the “gold standard of due diligence” that assures all stakeholders can confidently move forward.
This recent agreement follows a prior MOU signed in early 2025, which explored the CIB’s potential role in the project. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas highlighted the importance of this agreement as a crucial step towards securing the infrastructure investments required to enhance trade and industrial development, while also creating job opportunities and bolstering Calgary’s competitiveness.
Infrastructure Plans and Economic Projections
The infrastructure surrounding the Prairie Economic Gateway is projected to be constructed between 2023 and 2031, encompassing essential developments such as water, wastewater, stormwater management, and road enhancements. Initial plans include a stormwater trunk expected to be completed by 2028 and a 10.6-kilometre feeder main anticipated to be operational by 2029. However, timelines for road improvements on 114 Avenue and Glenmore Trail remain to be confirmed.
While the costs for these off-site projects are anticipated to partly fall on municipal taxpayers, detailed financial projections will be presented in November during city council’s four-year budget discussions. Officials project that the Gateway will generate over £7 billion in economic activity and create upwards of 30,000 jobs in the Calgary region over the next decade or so. “Every dollar invested will yield at least £8.90 in private investment,” Shyllon stated, underscoring the necessity of a robust infrastructure to support development.
Supply Chain Improvements on the Horizon
The announcement of the MOU has been met with enthusiasm from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, which anticipates that the logistics hub will alleviate current supply chain bottlenecks. Ruhee Ismail-Teja from the Chamber highlighted that nearly 40% of member businesses have been affected by supply chain challenges, with one in six reporting that these issues have hindered their growth.
“Initially, we believed these supply chain issues would be short-lived, but they have proven to be a persistent challenge,” Ismail-Teja noted. She expressed optimism that this strategic plan will significantly address the structural issues affecting businesses.
Preparations are underway to ensure that the first phase of Prairie Economic Gateway is operational by 2031, with groundwork slated to commence as early as next year. The city has indicated that subsequent phases will depend on market demand and uptake, ensuring a flexible approach to the project’s evolution.
Why it Matters
The Prairie Economic Gateway represents a transformative opportunity for Calgary and the surrounding region, promising substantial economic growth and job creation. As the project moves forward, it could significantly enhance the area’s logistics capabilities, addressing longstanding supply chain issues that have hampered local businesses. This initiative not only stands to boost Calgary’s economic competitiveness but also reflects a broader commitment to infrastructure development that can drive long-term prosperity.
