The Integral Role of Local Warehousing in Strengthening Calgary's Economy

Warehouses may be one of the most underappreciated resources in our modern society. Without it, supply chains would falter, leading to delays and shortages in every industry. But beyond their value in our national supply chain, it's the role they play in the local economy that cannot be replaced.

In Calgary, warehousing is a crucial economic driver, employing thousands of residents. According to the City of Calgary Labour Market Review - February 2024, there are currently 58,000 citizens working in the Transportation and Warehousing industry, making it the 4th most popular in the industry.

With close to 5% of Calgary's population working in the warehousing and transportation industry, it's clear to see how vital it is to the local economy.

Why Is Warehousing So Successful in Calgary?

Calgary’s strategic position to the US Border and Port of Vancouver, as well as its state-of-the-art facilities, has made it one of the top locations for warehousing in North America.

The city also has a well-developed infrastructure, including extensive rail networks and a major international airport, further strengthening its position as a top warehousing location. These factors collectively reduce transit times and costs for local, national, and international businesses, which is why Amazon, Walmart, and many other top retailers have warehouses within the city.

Beyond the location and infrastructure, the city also has an educated and skilled workforce that can perform everything from entry-level jobs to management, logistics coordinators, and software engineers.

Enhancing Calgary's Economic Landscape Through Warehousing

In Calgary, local warehousing has become a pivotal force driving economic strength. The city’s strategic location at the intersection of major North American trade routes makes it an ideal hub for cross-docking, secure yard storage, and short-term storage.

By acting as intermediate distribution hubs, these warehouses play a vital role in supply chains by supporting domestic and international trade—which translates into increased economic activity within the region. Funding from this is often re-investing into the industry, creating more jobs and commercial development around the city.

Locally stationed warehouses also provide invaluable support to smaller Calgary businesses that lack expansive storage capabilities. Many 3PL providers have risen to support smaller businesses by providing SMEs with immediate access to premium logistics services without bearing exorbitant costs or investing heavily in infrastructure—allowing them to compete more effectively on larger scales.

As the demand for logistical solutions rises locally and globally, the role of Calgary’s warehousing services will continue to increase. Along with this warehousing demand will also come demand for local trucking and fulfillment services, further enhancing the local economy.

The Value of Warehousing to Calgary's Economy Cannot be Ignored

The warehousing sector has a significant economic impact on Calgary. According to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, 2,481 businesses in Calgary are in the transportation and warehousing industry and contributed just over an estimated $6 billion to Calgary’s GDP in 2020.

Although we cannot find official stats for 2024, that figure is likely close to $10 billion now and will continue to increase substantially with each passing year.

The warehousing sector’s contributions are vital to Calgary's economic fabric—driving employment, fostering commercial growth, and reinforcing its strategic business landscape.

With close to 60,000 existing jobs in the city related to the logistics and warehousing sectors, this industry is already a critical part of Calgary's economy and will continue to grow. The evolving landscape, enriched by value-added services like integrated transportation, fortifies Calgary's standing as a pivotal logistics hub and a major driver of Canadian GDP.

Going forward, we expect the Warehousing and Transportation industry in Calgary to thrive, securing Calgary’s future within the global logistics market.

The Pacific Coast Distribution Calgary Warehouse is a state of facility providing full-service transportation and warehouse storage services to manufacturers across Canada and the US.

Our asset-based freight transportation, industry knowledge, and strategic location can vastly improve your supply chain and distribution services.