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Originally Posted by newflyer
I definitely would see regional transportation centres like Edmonton and Regina feeding into Winnipeg's Centreport. It will become the primary transportation hub between Vancouver and Toronto... with huge significant logistical advantages.
Massive rail infrastructure already exists. 6 existing rail yards. 2 multi-modal terminals exist. Four of the largest Trucking companies in the nation are based from Winnipeg. Winnipeg is directly linked to the Mid-Continent Corridor, which is developing electronic tracking of shipments, as well is working towards the development of Free Trade Zones in each of the 3 NAFTA nations along this major transportation corridor. The Port of Churchill is expanding its capacity while its shipping season also grows.
The new Centreport development will include a new rail yard, including another multi-modal terminal linking rail, truck and aircraft cargo exchange.
It will also include a large container yard, with automated control management system. New and upgraded highways and railways will be constructed in and around Winnipeg, and along major travel routes in Manitoba and across the nation.
One only needs to look at the Kansas Inland Port to see what the Winnipeg planners are looking to achieve.
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From Western Economic Diversification Canada Program -Government of Canada - March, 2008...
Port Alberta Funding to Build Blueprint for the Future
The Government of Canada is investing in the development of a strategic plan to help position Port Alberta as a major North American inland trade and transportation hub.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding of $1.5 million toward the plan today.
"This investment marks an important step toward building the foundation needed to make Port Alberta a reality and success," said Minister Ambrose. "This investment will help develop a blueprint that will bring the Port Alberta concept to life and create an industry-led council to provide leadership for the initiative."
Port Alberta has the potential to transform Edmonton Region into a major North American warehousing and distribution hub that combines air, rail and road transportation infrastructure with links to Asia and the United States.
"Edmonton is a key inland staging area for trade between Asia and North America, so investing in Port Alberta is an investment in the future of the Edmonton Region," said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. "As the global port to the oilsands, Edmonton's future as an inland port is key to Canada's economic prosperity."
The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will support the building blocks of research, partnership and plans that will contribute to developing a strong and vibrant Port Alberta. The project will identify opportunities for Port Alberta, determine the economic impact and develop an action plan to ensure established targets are met.
"This new funding is vital to developing Port Alberta and positioning Edmonton International Airport, as part of this vital regional initiative, to become a major cargo processing centre, capable of hosting multiple modes of transportation and acting as a catalyst for advancing global trade and distribution across the region," said Reg Milley, President and CEO of Edmonton Airports. "Onsite warehouse and logistics facilities will serve North America's growing trade through NAFTA and with Asia and Europe."
Western Canada and Alberta are well positioned-both geographically and economically-to take advantage of changing dynamics in the global economy. The Edmonton region, in particular, has the potential to become a major North American trade and transportation hub between Asia and North America.
"Alberta's business environment just got better," said Martin Salloum, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. "In an ever-changing global environment, the communities that will survive over the long run are those that can effectively work together towards a common goal. Twenty years from now, residents of the Edmonton Capital Region will see a more diverse, dynamic economy thanks in part to the Port Alberta partnership and the investment made today by the Government of Canada."
Efforts to develop Port Alberta were initiated by Edmonton Airports in June 2006. Along with the Airport, the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce have formed a partnership to champion and direct the initiative. The City of Edmonton has also been a strong advocate for Port Alberta.
"Alberta's vibrant economic growth is based on efficient access to North American and world markets," said Ron Gilbertson, president and CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. "Port Alberta will coordinate a strategy to optimize Greater Edmonton's road, rail and runway infrastructure so local industry can maximize growth internationally with new export and back-haul opportunities with Asian markets as well as service vital regional markets in Northern Alberta and the far North. Port Alberta will play a vital role in supporting the growth of companies currently in our region and attracting the firms necessary to help support and sustain our ongoing economic growth."
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy. It also represents the interests of the West in national decision-making.
...of interest is the fact that Edmonton started the process in June, 2006 and has already secured federal seed financing...Winnipeg has been at this concept for years and years and now finally Manitoba incorporates Centreport. Makes me think that the government is trying to catch up to the pack...