Amazon announces plans for new Ottawa fulfillment center

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jul 10, 2018

Amazon has announced plans to open a new 1-million-square-foot fulfillment center in Ottawa, Canada. This is Amazon's fifth Ontario fulfillment center and will bring 600 new jobs to the local economy.

"Ontario continues to be a great place for Amazon to do business," explained Glenn Sommerville, director of Amazon operations in Canada, in a release. "Amazon is committed to providing great opportunities for employment and creating a positive economic impact for the region."

The new fulfillment center will focus on large items like household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. Employees will pick, package and ship from the location which joins Amazon's other Canadian fulfillment centers in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.

Amazon employs 6,000 people in Canada, in both corporate offices and development centers. Currently Amazon has 2,000 full-time employees already working at its other Ontario fulfillment centers in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton.

"After working closely with Amazon to grow its presence in our city, I'm very pleased they have chosen Ottawa to establish its new fulfillment center," said Ottawa Mayor, Jim Watson. "This is a critical investment in our local economy and our community, which will provide significant employment opportunities for Ottawa residents.''

Amazon's benefits for full-time employees include full health coverage, stock purchase programs and performance bonuses beginning on the first day of work. The company offers pre-payment on up to 95% tuition for in-demand courses, whether or not the coursework relates to the employee's job. 16,000 employees around the world have taken advantage of this program, earning degrees in fields such as nursing, gaming design, radiology and IT programming.

"Amazon's investment will be a major economic driver for our city's east end,'' added Ottawa City Councillor for Cumberland, Stephen Blais.

Amazon is working with Broccolini to complete the project.