City, Rocky View County approve inland port project expected to generate over $7B

February 25, 2025 Canuck

The City of Calgary and Rocky View County have approved an economic partnership expected 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 agreement secures plans for an inland rail-served logistics hub located in the county, in partnership with the city. The proposed inland port near Calgary’s eastern limits will aim to leverage Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s rail network to increase interprovincial trade, the city says.

In a news release on Tuesday, the city called the Prairie Economic Gateway agreement “historic,” and that it would reinforce the region as a key driver of national and international trade.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said in a news release Tuesday that the approval of the agreement is a monumental step forward for the city.

“This project will secure our city’s future as a major player in the global trade network, enhancing our economic resilience, and ensuring more jobs and prosperity for all Calgarians,” Gondek said.

“We are paving the way for Calgary to become a destination for business, innovation, and skilled labour.”

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones said the deal has the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs and unlock untapped potential for the province’s industries.

The approval comes as Calgary establishes a tariff advisory group to respond to a potential trade war with the U.S.

Gondek said she hopes the agreement will create the “strongest inland port in North America.”

“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,” Gondek said.

The Prairie Economic Gateway agreement’s approval comes after nearly two years of collaboration between both the city and Rocky View County.

Rocky View County Reeve Crystal Kissel says the agreement with Calgary focuses on removing barriers to growth by co-ordinating infrastructure development, expanding markets and diversifying the regional economy.

With the project now approved, both jurisdictions will next work on securing funding from other orders of government and private sector partners.

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