The 1-million square foot fulfillment center in Ottawa will be constructed in the capital city’s eastern suburb of Orleans, making it the fifth fulfillment center in Ontario. Over 600 jobs will be created with benefits starting on day-1.
According to Amazon, the company currently employs more than 2,000 full-time associates at its existing Ontario facilities in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton.
The warehouse is the company’s eighth facility in Canada – joining others in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and a technology hub in Vancouver that is undergoing an expansion, according to the Financial Post.
Global News is reporting that Mayor Jim Watson said that while Ottawa lost out on the opportunity to build Amazon offices in the city last year, they worked to make sure the center would be built here.
“When we started the Amazon HQ 2 talks we were focusing just on that and we recognize that was going to be a steep hill to climb,” said Watson. “So in the discussions that I had with various Amazon officials we also looked at what other opportunities were available.”
The Orleans facility will encompass 92,900 square meters (1-million square feet) and is being constructed by Broccolini, the real estate developer behind the forthcoming CBC and Radio-Canada headquarters in Montreal.
Positive economic impact for Canada
“Ontario continues to be a great place for Amazon to do business and we look forward to adding a fulfillment center in the National Capital Region,” said Glenn Sommerville, Director of Amazon Operations in Canada.
“Our ability to expand in Ontario and create more than 600 new jobs is the result of two things: incredible customers and an outstanding workforce. Amazon is committed to providing great opportunities for employment and creating a positive economic impact for the region.”
“We applaud Amazon for making this investment and, we look forward to doing our part to help other top employers create and protect good jobs in our province. Ontario is open for business,” said Ontario Premier, Doug Ford, according to Area Development.
