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Economic Performance:
Economy
Equity
Environment
Quality
of Life
Calgary Region Cluster
Portfolio
Wireless
Information
Technology
Transportation
Warehousing
Logistics
Tourism
Arts
Entertainment
Geomatics
Oil &
Gas
Agriculture
Health Biotechnology
Economic Foundations
Human
Resources
Finance
Infostructure
Transportation
Physical Infrastructure
Business
Climate
Technology
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Economic
Foundations
Transportation
& Physical Infrastructure
Transportation and
physical infrastructure helps promote industry cluster competitiveness
and high quality of life in a region. Good infrastructure enhances efficiency
and reduces costs for businesses and residents alike, promotes the region
as a central node and enhances its value in the transportation network.
A balanced, multi-modal, environmentally sensitive transportation system
that is accessible and affordable to residents and businesses can enhance
the region's attractiveness as a place to live, work, play, and learn.
While overall, the
Calgary region's infrastructure is sound there are some potential trouble
spots. Transportation is one of the biggest challenges with more than
half of Calgary residents citing transport concerns as the city's number
one issue in 2001. While this rather high proportion may be a temporary
effect due to the strong economy, the rapid growth, and the transit strike
in early 2001, there is wide public discussion of a growing need to address
congestion and transportation issues. The transportation challenge is,
in part, a result of a rapid rate of growth, the decentralization of jobs,
the jobs-housing imbalance, and the lack of transit in emerging employment
centres.
The movement of freight
is also an increasing challenge. Freight transportation, logistics, and
distribution are booming in Calgary with a disproportionate share of cargo
moved by truck, thus contributing to congestion. High taxation and competition
from trucking are resulting in railways abandoning less utilized lines.
High costs on the West Coast are pushing operations further inland and
consequently, we see the emergence of 'Super-Hubs' in Salt Lake City,
Minneapolis, and potentially Calgary. Calgary's advantages of location,
population growth, lower costs, coupled with the growth in trucking, warehousing
and distribution could propel Calgary forward in its emergence as a Super-Hub.
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