Calgary’s industrial real estate market continues to see record demand and expansion. As the city plans for future growth, the new Citywide Growth Strategy: Industrial lays the groundwork for long-term investment and competitiveness.
Calgary’s new Industrial Action Plan is a major initiative under the Citywide Growth Strategy to make the city more competitive for industrial and logistics investment. The plan was endorsed by the Infrastructure and Planning Committee in June 2025 and is now before City Council for final approval, outlining a comprehensive set of actions that includes right-sizing the industrial land base, updating land use districts, targeted infrastructure investments, new financial and property tax incentives, and ongoing monitoring to modernize policies, improve development attractiveness, and strengthen Calgary’s industrial sector within the broader Citywide Growth Strategy. The goal is to maintain Calgary’s position as one of Canada’s top industrial real estate markets, known for its low vacancy, strong absorption, and access to major transport corridors.
Industrial properties in Calgary occupy roughly 7,000 hectares, generate more than $300 million in annual property taxes, and support over 66,000 local jobs in logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution. As e-commerce, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain investment continue to grow, Calgary’s industrial market is becoming an essential hub for business in Western Canada.
Prairie Economic Gateway – Calgary’s New Industrial Growth Hub
A major driver of future growth within this strategy is the Prairie Economic Gateway, a partnership between The City of Calgary and Rocky View County. Located in southeast Calgary, this master-planned industrial area will leverage CPKC rail connections, the Trans-Canada Highway, and modern infrastructure to create a world-class logistics and distribution hub.
Once complete, the Prairie Economic Gateway is expected to attract billions in private investment, generate thousands of jobs, and reinforce Calgary’s role as a national inland port serving Western Canada and beyond.
The major anchor for prairie gateway is the Shepard Logistics Centre (SLC) — a 1,300-acre, rail-served, gold-tier status industrial site just east of Calgary’s Ring Road. The SLC is designed to support up to 20 million square feet of industrial development, including 200 rail-to-truck transload spots, space for 100-acre+ user sites, and targeted sectors such as distribution, cold storage, food processing and advanced manufacturing. In July 2025, Rocky View County approved its Conceptual Scheme, enabling the area’s transformation from agricultural to industrial land, with direct connectivity to CPKC’s mainline, proximity to Calgary’s Ring Road, and zoning and approvals that support rapid development.
What all this mean for Calgary’s Future
The Citywide Growth Strategy ensures that Calgary’s industrial lands stay competitive, serviced, and ready for growth. By aligning city planning, infrastructure investment, and private-sector opportunity, the strategy supports:
- Job creation and workforce development.
- Tax revenue diversification for long-term fiscal stability.
- Sustainable, balanced land use to support both housing and employment areas.
Calgary’s Position in the North American Industrial Market
While many U.S. gateway markets are now facing rising vacancies after years of record construction, Calgary offers a compelling balance of cost efficiency, infrastructure access, and available land, positioning it as a leading Canadian alternative for industrial investors seeking long-term growth.
For developers, investors, and businesses, this means Calgary remains a market worth watching and investing in as Canada’s next major logistics and industrial hub.
Written by Jamie Coulter – Vice President / Partner, Calgary Commercial Group / NAI Advent
Source: https://storeys.com/calgary-industrial-real-estate-action-plan/
