FAQs and Resources
What is the Prairie Economic Gateway?
The Prairie Economic Gateway is a proposed rail-served industrial development along the border between The City of Calgary and Rocky View County that will unlock new opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, processing and distribution.
Where is the Prairie Economic Gateway?
Strategically located, the Prairie Economic Gateway ASP lands are located north of CPKC’s main line, south of Glenmore Trail, east of Stoney Trail and adjacent to Calgary’s southeastern limits. It is in the Southeast railway corridor as identified in the City of Calgary and Rocky View County Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP). As identified in The City of Calgary's 2018 Goods Movement Strategy, it is at the epicentre of goods movement in the Calgary region.
Why are we building the Prairie Economic Gateway now?
The Prairie Economic Gateway addresses the need for skilled jobs and higher economic activity in the Calgary region and offers a solution for current industrial vacancy rates which stand between 3 per cent and 3.5 per cent. In addition, Prairie Economic Gateway is set to be a cornerstone of economic growth in the region, with an expected $7 billion in economic activity generated in the next 10 to 12 years alone. By focusing on a project like Prairie Economic Gateway, Calgary aims to address the region’s short and long-term needs, while offering solutions for present and future Calgarians.
What are the advantages of working with the CPKC Rail network?
The recent Canadian Pacific Rail and Kansas City Southern Rail merger to become the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railroad unlocked a new opportunity to facilitate goods movement between Canada, the US and Mexico. In addition, a swift partnership with CPKC following the merger and a designation of “gold tier” land status for the proposed ASP lands along CPKC’s main line has ensured that the Gateway will operate in an ideal location at a crossroads between increased market access and opportunity.
Where do your economic benefits numbers come from?
Extensive modelling has been undertaken to address factors around economic output and job creation, amongst the other benefits listed here on this page. These estimations are based on Statistics Canada’s Input-Output Model by applying economic multipliers for Alberta and cross-referencing national impact assessments including direct impacts, indirect impacts, and induced impacts for the Prairie Economic Gateway initiative.
Does the “30,000 jobs created” include job numbers for operating Prairie Economic Gateway?
No. The 30,000 jobs referenced above are specific to the development phase only. The jobs created during operation will depend on the specific business and industrial portfolio that makes up the Prairie Economic Gateway once constructed and operational. For example, a data centre will generate a different number of jobs than a warehousing and logistics centre, and it is currently too early to estimate which types of industries and companies will end up calling Gateway their home.