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Markets/ Infrastructure

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Markets/ Infrastructure

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#3 Ecosystem

Markets/Infrastructure: Overview

Strategically located on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, which connects Calgary and Edmonton, two of the largest cities in the province. This makes it an ideal location for businesses looking to access a large and diverse market.
The Olds-Didsbury Airport provides access to regional and international markets. The airport offers a range of services, including fuel, maintenance, and flight training. This infrastructure supports the growth of the town's economy and provides opportunities for businesses in a variety of industries.

Network: Major Roads

Olds, Alberta boasts a well-connected major road network that facilitates the smooth transportation of goods and services within and outside the town. The Queen Elizabeth II Highway, the main artery that runs through the town, is a four-lane divided highway that connects Olds to other major cities in Alberta, such as Edmonton and Calgary. This provides an advantage for businesses in Olds as they have easy access to a large market with diverse consumer needs. Additionally, the highway has a high capacity for traffic, ensuring that goods and services can be transported quickly and efficiently.
Apart from the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, Olds is connected to several other major roads, including Highway 2A and Highway 27, which connects the town to Red Deer and Sundre/Innisfail respectively. These roads provide convenient access to surrounding towns and cities, allowing businesses in Olds to expand their reach to other markets. Moreover, the roads network is complemented by several intersections and overpasses, ensuring smooth traffic flow within the town and minimizing traffic congestion. Overall, the well-maintained major roads network in Olds, Alberta, provides a conducive environment for businesses to grow and expand their operations.

The Queen Elizabeth II Highway is a four-lane divided highway that runs through the center of Olds, connecting the town to Calgary and Edmonton and the Alaska Highway in the north and the US Interstate Highway I-15 in the south. This is known as the CANAMEX/North-South Trade Corridor and links the Coutts, Alberta, and Sweetgrass, Montana port of entry to the Alberta and British Columbia border on Highway 43. Ultimately, linking Canada, the US, and Mexico.
Highway 2A is a two-lane highway that connects Olds to the cities of Red Deer and Lacombe.
The major roads network in Olds includes several major intersections, including the intersection of Highways 27 and 2A.
The town is located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Red Deer and 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of Calgary.
The major roads network in Olds provides easy access to a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and oil and gas.

Network: Airports

Olds, Alberta is well-connected through its airport network that offers a range of options for domestic and international travel. The nearest airport to Olds is the Red Deer Regional Airport, located about 50 km to the southeast. This airport serves as a key transportation hub for Central Alberta and offers daily flights to major Canadian cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. With its strategic location and convenient access, the Red Deer Regional Airport is an important gateway for both business and leisure travelers.
In addition to the Red Deer Regional Airport, Olds is also in close proximity to the Calgary International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in Canada. Located about 90 km south of Olds, this airport offers numerous domestic and international flight options, connecting Olds to major cities around the world. With a growing number of airlines serving the Calgary International Airport, it is an excellent option for businesses that require frequent travel and easy access to global markets.

The Red Deer Regional Airport (YQF) is located about 50 km southeast of Olds and offers daily flights to major Canadian cities. YQF provides a wide range of air transport and air freight options. Together with the region’s close proximity to both the Edmonton and Calgary Intermodal Facilities and International Airports, highlights the region’s major, fully-integrated transportation hub within Alberta, Western Canada, and the Pacific North West Economic Region (PNWER).
The airport has a single 7,000-foot runway and serves as a base for several aviation-related businesses, including flight training, aircraft maintenance, and cargo operations.
In addition to passenger flights, the Red Deer Regional Airport also offers facilities for corporate and private aviation, including hangar space, fueling, and aircraft storage.
The Calgary International Airport, located about 90 km south of Olds, offers numerous domestic and international flight options, connecting Olds to major cities around the world.
The airport is one of the busiest in Canada, serving over 18 million passengers annually and offering non-stop flights to over 90 destinations worldwide.
The Calgary International Airport is a hub for several major airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and United Airlines, and offers convenient access to global markets for businesses and leisure travelers alike.

Network: Major Rail

Canadian Pacific Rail line runs through the community's industrial area connecting intermodal terminals in Edmonton and Calgary as well as major centres across North America. Intermodal Terminals connect Olds to major seaports and the rest of the world.
Distribution of goods happens through intermodal shipping containers for more efficient and less costly movement of goods because they can be transported on land, water, or air. Intermodals are typically used for manufactured products that ship in large volumes and have standardized sizes for packaging or units.

Both intermodal terminals handle large trucks efficiently and handle a wide range of cargo types lowering the environmental footprint. have basic functions and terminal infrastructure processes in place.
Canada is a vast country with people and goods moving in and out of the country every day. Intermodal terminals are responsible for this movement, giving Canadian businesses access to markets all over the world.

FAQ: Investing in Olds, Alberta

Invest Olds is a comprehensive resource for businesses and investors interested in the vibrant community of Olds, Alberta. We provide essential information for anyone looking to invest in this thriving region.

What are the average costs for transportation of goods by air in Alberta?

According to the Canadian Air Cargo Index (CACI), which tracks air cargo rates in Canada, the average rate for air cargo transportation in Canada increased by 6.7% in the first quarter of 2021. According to Edmonton’s International Airport 2021 air cargo rate sheet, rates for air cargo transportation from Edmonton to major cities in Canada range from around $2.20 CAD to $3.30 CAD per kilogram, depending on the size and weight of the shipment. The same rate sheet states that rates for air cargo transportation to international destinations from Edmonton range from around $3.70 CAD to $5.00 CAD per kilogram. Air cargo transportation costs in Alberta can vary depending on several factors, including the size and weight of the shipment, the destination, and the level of service required.

What are the average costs for transportation of goods by truck in Alberta?

The Canadian General Freight Index (CGFI) provides regional data on truck transportation costs in Canada and accounts for factors such as fuel costs, driver wages, and other operating expenses. According to CGFI, the average cost of ground transportation increased in Alberta by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the previous quarter. The Alberta Motor Transport Association provides information on rates for trucking services in Alberta. According to their 2021 rate guide, the average rate for long-haul dry van transportation in Alberta is $2.70 CAD per mile. The same guide states that the average rate for intermodal transportation in Alberta is $2.50 CAD per mile, and the average rate for temperature-controlled transportation is $3.30 CAD per mile. Further, according to the CGFI. Rates for long-haul dry van transportation in Alberta are around $2.70 CAD per mile, according to the Alberta Motor Transport Association. It is important to note that truck transportation costs in Alberta can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of goods being transported, the distance travelled, and the level of service required.

What is the difference between intermodal and rail cars?

Rail includes “carload” movements, which would be things like boxcars, hopper cars, etc. Intermodal movements, on the other hand, involve the movement of highway-capable units, either containers or trailers, on special intermodal railcars.

How do I distribute my product if I need both road and rail and require multiple carriers?

There are consulting services available that can handle logistic needs and have the ability to work with multiple carriers all within one, account that is supported by a tracking system of all shipments. Consulting services may also offer reliable rail freight rates.