Construction begins on international cargo hub at airport

A rendering of the international cargo hub to be built at the Edmonton International Airport. (Source: Edmonton International Airport)

Ground was broken Wednesday on an international cargo hub at Edmonton International Airport, which officials say will turn the airport into a larger player in global trade.

The 2,000-acre project near the 65 Avenue interchange will consist of multiple logistics and storage warehouses, a runway with “guaranteed landing” lighting that will help cargo planes land in inclement weather, and a quick-fueling hydrant system, similar to one in Anchorage, Alaska, where cargo plans often go to refuel.

“Planes leaving Asia going to east-coast United States fly right over top of Edmonton. Planes leaving the Middle East and Europe, flying to west-coast United States fly right over Edmonton. (We’re) right in the middle of that sweet spot,” said airport president and CEO Myron Keehn at a news conference on Wednesday.

“After safety and security, our job is to create jobs in a sustainable way and help businesses grow and prosper, not just in this region, but in the regions we serve – and that includes right up to the Arctic Circle. And so it’s really important, given what’s going on (with) sovereignty right now, to focus that way.”

He said the airport is also a strategic location for a cargo hub because of its energy and logistics parks, and position as a gateway to the north as well as an inland port to Prince Rupert and Vancouver.

The project is expected to cost $300 million altogether.

The first phase of construction will cost $160 million and is scheduled to be complete by early 2028. Half of the funding was provided by Ottawa through the National Trade Corridors Fund while the airport is funding the other half.

Construction is expected to create 800 jobs. Once complete, the hub will add an estimated 250 permanent positions to the airport.

“This investment reflects our commitment to overcome supply chain bottlenecks that can disrupt the efficient flow of goods right across Canada and around the world. It shows our shared commitment to stronger trade, better supply chains and a more resilient, competitive Canadian economy we’re building for growth in both domestic and international trade,” said federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Dave Mitchell