Lethbridge, AB… Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) understands that transportation and logistics play an important part in the modern economy and are a primary consideration in investment attraction. The recently completed Lethbridge Goods Movement study focused on assessing the current state of freight transportation in Lethbridge. The study – conducted by HDR Inc. on behalf of Economic Development Lethbridge – focused on identifying barriers to the efficient movement of goods in the Lethbridge area as well as highlighting strategies which support freight-dependent economic development.
“The insights gained over the course of this study help provide food for thought that assist us in strategizing and planning to ensure this sector is a conduit for economic growth in our region,” says Ben Young, Interim CEO, Economic Development Lethbridge. “Manufacturing and agricultural production help power the local economy, but it is the logistics component of the process that ensures these goods reach their final destination in a timely manner. We can’t unlock the full potential of these industries without a flourishing transportation sector, something this study confirms.”
A corresponding rail benchmarking and economic analysis was compiled in tandem with the Goods Movement Study and helps quantify the impact this sector has on the local economy. Figures outlined in this report confirm that rail served businesses in the Lethbridge area generate an estimated $687 million in annual output locally and support approximately 1,000 jobs, with broader impacts reaching $1.5 billion nationally.
“Having quality data and economic indicators help us market the region and tell a compelling story about the value proposition Lethbridge offers” says Brady Schnell, Cluster Development Manager, Canada’s Western Gateway (CWG). “It also helps provide a baseline so we can plan for future growth targets. “
The Lethbridge Region Goods Movement Study can be found in the Publications section on the Economic Development Lethbridge, Choose Lethbridge website and on the CWG website.
For more information please contact:
Mark Neskar
Director, Marketing & Communications
Economic Development Lethbridge
mark@chooselethbridge.ca
403-393-6376
