Calgary’s Industrial Real Estate Surge
- ClearView Insider
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Calgary continues to distinguish itself as one of Canada’s most dynamic industrial markets, now ranking second in national demand despite having only the fifth-largest inventory. Momentum is being driven by major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Dollarama, and Empire Co. Ltd., each expanding large-scale distribution operations across the region.
A few factors are driving this surge. Calgary’s geographic position gives companies the ability to reach Western Canada within 48 hours, which is a major advantage for modern supply chains. The ongoing expansion of e-commerce has only accelerated the need for sophisticated logistics space, particularly as operators adopt AI and automation to speed up fulfillment. At the same time, constraints in Vancouver’s industrial market are pushing occupiers inland, and Calgary has become the natural landing place for those looking for cost-effective land and room to grow.
Market activity reflects these shifts. Nearly half of today’s requirements focus on large-format warehouse space, putting Calgary in line with Toronto for big-box demand. Submarkets such as Balzac in Rocky View County are seeing explosive growth thanks to lower taxes, competitive land pricing and immediate access to the international airport. Developers are responding accordingly, with new large-scale projects and even a 600-acre industrial park planned in southeast Calgary later this decade.
There are challenges the region will need to navigate. Calgary’s municipal tax environment remains a competitive hurdle, and infrastructure in rapidly growing areas like Balzac is still working to catch up with demand. The debate around converting agricultural land for industrial development is also intensifying, particularly in Rocky View County, where stakeholders are balancing economic opportunity with long-term land stewardship.
Even so, Calgary’s industrial story is one of momentum. The combination of location advantage, evolving supply-chain needs and strong developer interest is solidifying the city’s position as a Western Canadian logistics hub. For companies looking to expand or relocate, Calgary is increasingly becoming part of the strategic conversation.
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Source: Calgary Herald. “Calgary punching above weight-class – warehouse/industrial-demand real estate.”
