Calgary's secret economic powerhouse: The Prairie Economic Gateway initiative

Imagine an industrial hub so powerful it could redefine Calgary’s economic landscape. Now, picture it quietly taking shape just beyond the city’s edge, poised to create thousands of jobs and generate billions in revenue for the private and public sectors.

As our city continues to grow, so do the opportunities. Enter the Prairie Economic Gateway – a new industrial hub set to become a vital artery for economic growth. With over $1.6 billion in projected economic output and more than 6,750 jobs anticipated, this initiative could well be Calgary's secret powerhouse.

In our latest episode of the Calgary Conversations podcast, we explore the Prairie Economic Gateway with Oyin Shyllon, Program Manager at The City of Calgary. Oyin shares insights into the significance of this project, Calgary’s unique position in North America's trade network, and how this initiative is pioneering a new level of collaboration between The City and Rocky View County.

“This is Calgary’s first foray into a project like this,” explains Oyin. “We’ve partnered with Rocky View County to build an industrial hub that connects us to Canada’s largest port and extends our reach throughout North America.”

From the strategic location to the advanced infrastructure plans, including a rail park that could attract industries ranging from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals, the Prairie Economic Gateway is designed to be a sustainable, long-term economic engine for the city and region.

"The question is, how do we do this right? We want to be good, not just lucky," says Oyin. "It's about laying down a solid foundation now to ensure that in 2027 and beyond, this hub thrives."

This episode unpacks everything from the intricate planning stages to the ambitious goals set for the Prairie Economic Gateway. It's not just about building another industrial area – it's about building the future of Calgary.

Catch the podcast on calgary.ca/CalgaryConversations as well as YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Submit feedback and questions to CalgaryConversations@calgary.ca.