Western inland ports sign deal to form Canadian Inland Ports Alliance
Inland port groups from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta signed an MoU on October 26 to plan, lobby and measure results together.
The big freight hubs on the Prairies have agreed to work as one bloc.
Inland port groups from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create the Canadian Inland Ports Alliance (CIPA), the City of Calgary announced on October 26.
Who signed
- CentrePort Canada, Winnipeg
- the Global Transportation Hub Authority (GTH), Regina
- Port Alberta: Leduc County, Edmonton Global and Edmonton Airports
- Prairie Economic Gateway: the City of Calgary and Rocky View County
What the deal does
The MoU sets up formal work together on four things: planning, advocacy, investment and measuring performance. The partners say they will line up their major inland port projects and build a shared body of evidence to track results. They will review progress once a year.
The goal, in the release's words, is stronger "seaport-to-hinterland connectivity." The partners point to congestion, shifting trade partners, supply chain disruptions and limits at marine gateways as the pressures behind the deal.
The release does not mention new funding or a specific project.
What they said
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said inland ports "play a vital role in strengthening Canada's trade and transportation networks."
Carly Edmundson, president and CEO of CentrePort Canada, called CentrePort "Canada's largest and most established inland port." CentrePort describes itself as a 20,000-acre inland port and Foreign Trade Zone with truck, rail and air cargo operations.
Daniel Hersche, president and CEO of the GTH, said the alliance will "improve access to global markets and build a more connected and resilient supply chain network."
Leduc County Mayor Tanni Doblanko pointed to the Edmonton International Airport cargo hub and the Nisku Business Park, which she said is home to more than 800 businesses and 15,000 employees.
Why it matters for trucking
Inland ports are where truck freight meets rail and air cargo. A joint push on planning and investment by the four Prairie hubs could shape where new warehouse and transload capacity lands in the West, and which corridors get attention from Ottawa.