Canadian National Railway (CN) and Rocky View County officials broke ground at the new Calgary Logistics Park Sept. 19. Two Alberta MLAs, CN executives and County Reeve Rolly Ashdown stuck their shovels in the sod at the ceremony.
“I’ve seen the project from the concept phase,” said Luc Jobin, CN’s vice-president and CFO. “It’s hard to believe we’re finally at this point. We’re pleased to celebrate the construction, delighted to be moving ahead with the project and greatly appreciative of the County’s support.”
The announcement for the $200 million, 680-acre park was made in February 2010.
It will be built in Conrich and will include more than 200-million square feet of warehouse space, steel and lumber storage and office buildings.
CN plans to add an auto compound for regional vehicle distribution by 2013 and a liquid and dry bulk transload and distribution facility in the future.
According to CN, Rocky View County is an ideal location for the new logistics park thanks to its close proximity to Calgary. The park will be built at the intersection of McKnight Blvd and TWP Road 250, providing easy access to both the Trans-Canada Highway and Stoney Trail.
“CN will continue to provide railway service to Calgary,” Jobin said.
“It’s CN’s third-largest distribution centre and is quickly becoming the logistics hub of Canada. This park is going to further strengthen that role, and it will be an asset to all parties.”
Ashdown inherited the park project from former reeve Lois Habberfield, but said he is pleased with the partnership the County and CN have established and with the project as a whole.
“I came onto the scene halfway through,” Ashdown said.
“My first meeting with CN was like a baptism by fire, but we all understood each other and respected each other’s positions. The park is good for Calgary, for the province and for Rocky View County. We’re very proud to welcome CN to the community.”
Construction at the new park is to be completed by the end of 2012 and operations are expected to begin in early 2013.
