History

In 2007, Port Alberta began developing the concept of enhanced logistics and a transportation hub and inland port in the greater Edmonton area. Initially developed from within the Edmonton International Airport, the concept quickly expanded to benefit the Capital Region. This new initiative was embraced by other entities in the region and the initial partnership was solidified through the execution of an MOU between EIA, the Chamber of Commerce and Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. Western Economic Diversification supported Port Alberta though its agreement for funding the project up to 1.5 million dollars (based on a percentage of expenditures).

In 2008, Port Alberta completed the Opportunity Report which was an overview of the economic backdrop and growth in the region that looked at our geographic advantages, transportation assets, regional demand and global trends. From that overview, a range of transportation and logistics opportunities were identified. The report was not detailed enough to develop a business case for Port Alberta but it did map out a number of research components that would be needed to establish the value proposition.

In 2009, three major research modules were proposed and completed. The reports looked at transportation supply of services and infrastructure, the regional and global demands influencing trade in the area, competitiveness of rates and services and policies that could have positive or negative effects on developing enhanced transportation capabilities in the Greater Edmonton Region. The research set out the value propositions for Port Alberta and a development strategy to implement the concept. This work was completed at the end of 2009. The conclusion was that industry must be engaged and that the plan should be implemented immediately.

2010 was the year to begin implementation of the strategies identified in the research and focus on industry engagement to begin transitioning from a mostly government and government agency group to an industry led organization. The primary focus in 2010 was to establish a new industry board and incorporate Port Alberta as a legal entity. The board was established in November 2010 and Port Alberta was incorporated under Part 9 of the Alberta Companies Act on December 2, 2010.

In March 2011, the Board of Directors welcomed its first full-time President and CEO: Wendy Cooper. Wendy will lead the organization, developing a long-term operational and funding plan to connect Port Alberta with additional industry members. She will also expand our organization’s membership base and maintain support from the municipal, provincial and federal governments. 2011 and the years that follow will take the Port Alberta concept and realize the vision of creating a critical logistics service center and energy super hub for the region and the continent.