The City of Calgary and Rocky View County are partnering up to develop what our mayor says will be North America’s strongest inland port.
Calgary’s city council has voted in favour of the Prairie Economic Gateway project.
It’s touted by the city as “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.”
The proposed inland port will be located on the eastern city limits by the rail lines.
“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,” Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said in a release issued Tuesday.
“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 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 said in the same release.
“In collaboration with the City of Calgary, this partnership focuses on removing impediments to growth by co-ordinating infrastructure development, expanding markets and diversifying the regional economy.”
Gondek says the deal still needs to be signed off on.
Next steps include securing funding.
But on Tuesday, multiple provincial cabinet ministers offered their voices to the endorsements.
“The Prairie Economic Gateway is a great example of the amazing work that can be done when municipalities work together,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver.
“The Prairie Economic Gateway exemplifies strong inter-municipal collaboration, focused on working together toward an economic vision,” said Jobs, Economy and Trade Minister Matt Jones.
“This agreement strengthens our province’s role as a key logistics and distribution hub, ensuring businesses have the infrastructure they need to move goods efficiently across Canada and to global markets,” said Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen.
