Calgary to establish logistics centre with $4.15M investment

The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund is investing up to $4.15 million to establish the Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence (ALCoE) at Mount Royal University, with support from the Alberta government.

The centre aims to strengthen transportation and supply chain networks by bringing together industry, government and academia to address fragmentation, trade disruptions and labour shortages.

The initiative will support companies in diversifying markets, adopting new technologies and developing talent through training, applied research and proof-of-concept projects.

Over four years, the centre is expected to train 150 people, create 80 high-skilled jobs and support 75 Calgary-area companies.

The federal government, through Prairies Economic Development Canada, has previously committed $1.5 million to support the launch and programming.

“Calgary’s global connectivity, skilled workforce and large–scale distribution capabilities position our region to lead in building resilient supply chains and generate opportunities in emerging areas like advanced manufacturing,” said Brad Parry, CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development. “ALCoE will help local companies solve industry-relevant challenges, strengthen our talent pipeline and accelerate innovation in the sector, driving long–term economic growth and diversification for our province.”

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the investment will help strengthen the region’s competitiveness.

“Strengthening how we move goods is essential to supporting our city’s growth,” he said. “The Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence represents the type of strategic investment needed to create local jobs, keep our region competitive and build a more efficient and connected transportation and logistics network.”

Mount Royal University will lead the centre, leveraging its supply chain management program and providing work-integrated learning opportunities for students.

“The Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence will enhance trade adaptability across Alberta and globally through collaborative, applied programming. By prioritizing experiential learning and industry engagement, MRU is a key partner in developing talent, building capabilities and implementing practical, real-world solutions. This initiative is strongly supported by the generous contributions of the Alberta Government, PrairiesCan and OCIF, underscoring a shared commitment to the future of Alberta’s transportation and logistics sector, with a primary focus on student success,” said Dr. Tim Rahilly, president and vice-chancellor of Mount Royal University.

The centre will be guided by an industry-led advisory committee.

“The transportation and logistics sector sits at the centre of how Alberta trades with the world. At a time of rising trade uncertainty, technology disruption, and workforce pressures, companies need practical ways to adapt as the pace of change accelerates,” said Tom McCaffery, executive director of the Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence. “The Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence will help industry leaders test new technologies, develop talent, and build the strategies needed to strengthen supply chains and ensure Alberta remains competitive in global trade.”

Alberta’s transportation and logistics sector contributed $22.5 billion to GDP in 2024 and employed more than 178,000 people, according to Statistics Canada.