Focus Equities to develop Manitoba’s CentrePort Canada rail park

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Real estate developer Focus Equities will lead development of Winnipeg’s rail-served industrial project at CentrePort Canada, with construction expected to begin in the coming months.

The Manitoba government announced the agreement last week, one month after Winnipeg city council allocated $20 million to install infrastructure at CentrePort South lands in west Winnipeg.

The rail park is expected to create about 5,000 jobs during construction, which will take 10 to 20 years.

A 20,000-acre inland port and foreign trade zone, CentrePort Canada is the largest trimodal inland port in North America with over 2,000 acres in active development. It’s the only inland port in Canada with direct access to trimodal transportation – truck, rail and air cargo.

“As we emerge from this pandemic, our government is focused on working with our economic development partners, industry and trade to unlock Manitoba’s true economic potential,” said Premier Heather Stefanson.

“This development, in the heart of the country, will support our vision to make Manitoba a true trade gateway nationally and internationally. Expected to create more than 4,800 direct and indirect jobs and have a significant impact on the province’s GDP, the rail park project will help us bolster our economy and attract new businesses, now and well into the future.”

The 665-acre rail park will offer globally connected businesses with large-volume shipping needs the ability to access, transfer and transport goods between road and rail, with close access to Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.

“With global supply chain issues affecting the industry, there has never been greater demand in North America for a centralized logistics and shipping location for rail, truck and air than now,” said Ken Mariash, owner of Focus Equities Inc.

“We are already in negotiations with global brands who are interested in choosing our rail park land for their transportation infrastructure needs. Focus Equities is thrilled to be awarded the CentrePort Canada Rail Park project is honoured that the Province of Manitoba and CentrePort Canada Inc. has chosen our group.”

In 2018, CentrePort Canada Inc., with the support of the Manitoba government, issued a Request for Proposal to attract a private developer for the rail park project. Focus Equities Inc. was selected as the most experienced and qualified developer following that process.

The premier says the announcement builds on other investments made by government to support the expansion and growth of CentrePort Canada and to connect rail service with other forms of transportation including safety improvements to the Perimeter Highway.

A $135 million interchange project at Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 100 (South Perimeter Highway) and St. Mary’s Road, and preliminary planning for a new diamond interchange at PTH 100 and PTH 3 are also underway.

“All inland ports have rail at the heart of their developments and the CentrePort Canada Rail Park is the linchpin in realizing the vision for a true tri-modal inland port – and North America’s largest – right here in Manitoba,” said Diane Gray, president and CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc.

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