Keystone Industrial Park Opens CA$100M Phase 1 Manitoba

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – Exemplar Developments has opened the Keystone Industrial Park, a 184-acre site within the 20,000-acre CentrePort Canada inland port. The completion of Phase 1 represents an initial investment of over CA$100 million in critical infrastructure. To date, more than half of the 30 available lots have been sold or conditionally sold.

What Is the Full Scope of This Project?

The project’s first phase delivers 184 acres of serviced, shovel-ready industrial land divided into 30 lots, starting from 2.3 acres each. It is strategically located to provide tenants with access to three Class I railways: CN, CPKC, and BNSF. The total investment value for future development phases has not been disclosed, though further announcements are expected later this year.

Key Project Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Projects?

The CA$100 million initial investment for this private industrial rail park contrasts with the scale of major public-sector rail infrastructure projects in North America. For instance, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority recently awarded Skanska a $1 billion contract to replace a single rail bridge and modernize associated systems in the Boston area, a project scheduled for completion by 2032 (Source: Construction Dive). While different in scope, the comparison highlights the significant capital being deployed across both the private logistics and public transit rail sectors.

Editor’s Analysis

The opening of Keystone Industrial Park is timed to capitalize on escalating road freight costs and the growing demand for intermodal transport. With spot truckload rates for dry van and flatbed services reaching multiyear highs, the economic case for shifting freight from highway to rail is strengthening (Source: FTR, DAT iQ). This development provides critical capacity for shippers looking to optimize supply chains through central Canada, leveraging Winnipeg’s unique access to three continental rail networks.

FAQ

Q: Which major railways serve the Keystone Industrial Park?
A: The park offers direct access to Canada’s two major railways, CN and CPKC, as well as the U.S.-based BNSF Railway. This tri-rail connectivity is a key logistical advantage of the CentrePort Canada location.

Q: What is the total investment cost for the park?
A: The investment for the completed first phase was over CA$100 million. Exemplar Developments has stated that financial details for subsequent phases will be announced later this year.

Q: What is the intended use for the lots in the park?
A: The lots are zoned for industrial use and are targeted at companies in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, and transportation and logistics services. The development is designed to support the supply chains of tenants who can benefit from direct rail access.