Norcal Group grows its airport relationship
Company plans third phase that could see another three buildings sprout up
Calgary has become an important international hub specializing in receiving, transferring, storing and distributing air, rail and highway cargo.
The Calgary Airport Authority continues to offer land lease development opportunities at both Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airport. More than 320 hectares of land are under lease and long- term plans envision future development that will add another 80 to 120 hectares to the city’s industrial land base.
The Norcal Group is well acquainted with the benefits of a strong relationship with the airport, having built and leased two buildings at its Airways Crossing development close to the Art Smith Aero Centre.
Fully leased, its newest tenants are the Sterling North Charter School; Bowling Depot’s 20,000- square- foot, 24- lane five- pin bowling alley and a 15,000- square- foot commissary for Papa John’s Pizza.
Calgary- based Norcal also houses Let’s Bowl, a 10- pin bowling alley in its 70,000- square- foot Franklin Park building.
Norcal president Hardy Nielsen says Airways Crossing has been so successful he is planning a third phase that could offer another three buildings.
However, his next airport endeavour is a two- storey, 50,000- square- foot modern office building to be located in the new YYC Global Logistics Park in the northwest sector of the airport lands along Aero Drive N. W.
The park will connect commercial, airside and logistics businesses, occupying more than 130 hectares of land within easy access to Deerfoot Trail and a direct link to Airport Trail N. E.
It has been planned as a business centre for cargo handling, general aviation, operational support and commercial activity.
Norcal managing broker Kevin Deeks says Norcal Centre, designed by Form 3 Designs, is located close to the Canada Border Services Agency and private jet hangers making it an ideal building for customs brokers, freight forwarders, a business centre and other airport related companies.
Construction is planned to begin in early 2016.
NEWS AND NOTES
Hotel Arts, much praised for its food and good service, is now making news for the tasteful and impressive interior overhaul. Designed by Adele Rankin of Chil Interior Design it has received two awards of excellence from the Interior Design Institute of British Columbia. The unique retrofit at Calgary’s independent Hotel Arts was recognized with awards including the top honour as the Robert Ledingham Award for Project of the Year.
Marco De Iaco, executive director of Calgary Sports Tourism Authority, is always keen to share the benefits this city receives by attracting sports and major events.
He says hosting the 2015 Volleyball Canada Championship injected more than $ 27 million into the local economy.
Almost 800 teams participated in the tournament, which took place on 59 courts around the city. In total, 24,800 athletes, coaches, parents and spectators took in the weeklong event.
“The benefit to our community, economy and local businesses was surpassed only by the success of the young Canadian athletes who competed in the championship,” said Doug Mitchell, chairman of the Calgary Sports Tourism Authority.
The sports event commission — operated by Tourism Calgary where De Iaco also serves as vicepresident, sales, sport and major events — is comprised of community leaders and citizens in sport and business.
The independent body is responsible for evaluating, bidding and attracting sport and major events to Calgary.
The Calgary Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival, sponsored by Sobeys Liquor and Safeway Wine & Spirits, will be held Oct. 16 and 17 at the Grand Tasting Hall in the BMO Centre at Stampede Park.
Attendees can expect 140 wineries from 16 different countries, more than 15 brands of premium spirits and craft beers, plus a variety of gourmet culinary creations from 50 local restaurants and food purveyors.