The Grizzly Regional Economic Alliance Society (GROWTH Alberta) has a simple but ambitious goal for the north-central communities it represents: to achieve economic, social, and political environments in which sustainable, diversified, and regional growth is realized.

Transportation is a key competitive advantage to achieve that goal and GROWTH Alberta’s central location makes it an ideal hub.

“We have the strongest road system in Western Canada, and goods and services can be transported anywhere in North America in 48 hours,” says Troy Grainger, executive director of GROWTH Alberta. “Plus, close proximity to urban populations and access to international markets is supported by our current infrastructure, including intermodal loading facilities, the CANAMEX [North-South] Trade Corridor, and air transport assets.”

Additions and expansions of this transportation advantage are always welcome, and that’s why GROWTH Alberta is excited about the proposed $22-billion Alaska to Alberta (A2A) rail line project.

“It would allow us to maximize export of raw materials, finished goods and value-added products that will significantly boost our regional contribution to the economy,” says Grainger.

Meanwhile, GROWTH Alberta is working on separate initiatives intended to complement the ongoing development of transportation routes.

“We are dedicated to increasing community capacity, fostering collaboration, and enticing investment attraction, retention and expansion,” Grainger says. “Working with government, business, and industry, we play an integral part in turning regional strategy into tactics and results.”