Mount Royal University to Become Home Base for New Transportation and Logistics Hub
Strengthening how we move goods is essential to supporting our city's growth, said Mayor Jeromy Farkas during a significant announcement at Mount Royal University on Friday, March 20, 2026. Government officials gathered to reveal a new transportation and logistics center of excellence, marking a collaborative effort between multiple levels of government and the academic institution.
Multi-Million Dollar Investment Announced
Calgary's city-owned investment fund, the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), has partnered with both the Alberta provincial government and the federal government through Prairies Economic Development Canada to launch this innovative hub. The total funding commitment amounts to $5.65 million, with $4.15 million coming from the OCIF, city, and province partnership, and an additional $1.5 million previously committed by the federal government.
This substantial investment will fund the training of 150 individuals while simultaneously creating 80 high-skilled jobs and supporting 75 companies throughout Calgary. The initiative aims to build a more connected and resilient transportation and logistics network by bringing together industry, government, academia, and talent to address critical challenges facing the sector.
Addressing Industry Challenges Through Collaboration
According to a news release from Calgary Economic Development, which stewards the OCIF, the new Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence will specifically target industry ecosystem fragmentation, trade disruptions, and workforce shortages. The center will help local companies diversify their markets, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate their adoption of new technologies through targeted training programs, proof-of-concept projects, and applied research and innovation initiatives.
Mount Royal University will serve as the primary lead for an advisory committee overseeing the center's operations. The university will leverage its existing supply chain management program and provide valuable work-integrated learning opportunities for students, creating a direct pipeline between academic training and industry needs.
Economic Significance of Transportation and Logistics
Joseph Schow, Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, emphasized the sector's importance during the announcement. Transportation and logistics are a major economic driver for the province and enhance our ability to compete in global markets, he stated. The minister highlighted that with $3 million from Alberta's government, they are thrilled to help launch the center to strengthen the sector's long-term competitiveness.
Recent data from Statistics Canada underscores the sector's economic impact, revealing that Alberta's transportation and logistics sector contributed $22.5 billion to the province's GDP in 2025 and employed more than 178,000 workers. This investment aims to build upon this strong foundation while addressing emerging challenges in the industry.
Broader Regional Development Initiatives
Friday's announcement also touched on the Prairie Economic Gateway, a partnership between the City of Calgary and Rocky View County. This complementary project envisions a new inland port on Calgary's southeast border, which will help unlock rail-served industrial land and expand access to interprovincial and international trade routes. Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to strengthening Alberta's position in global supply chains and transportation networks.
The minister concluded by emphasizing that this investment will create jobs, support Alberta businesses, and ensure the provincial economy remains resilient and strong for years to come. The collaborative nature of this initiative between academic institutions, multiple levels of government, and private industry represents a forward-thinking approach to economic development in the transportation and logistics sector.
