Amazon is coming to the Tsawwassen First Nation.
Representatives with the e-commerce giant today were at the new Delta iPort warehouse on 41b Street where they announced plans to open a 450,000-square-foot fulfillment centre, a facility that will create 700 jobs. Amazon also has another centre in Delta and New Westminster, but this marks the first time the company will open a distribution facility on First Nation land.
Glenn Somerville, director of Canadian operations for Amazon, said they credit their outstanding growth since coming to B.C. in 2012 to an outstanding workforce in the Lower Mainland.
“We’re very excited to be constructing Amazon’s first Canadian fulfillment centre on First Nation Land and we are committed to creating a positive economic impact and providing great employment opportunities for members of Tsawwassen First Nation and residents of Delta and surrounding communities," he said. “Amazon’s ability to open a new fulfillment centre employing thousands of associates and providing good paying jobs is not accomplished without the support of a strong community.”
Delta MP Carla Qualtrough, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, said today’s announcement is an exciting one in that an innovative company like Amazon is further expanding its operations in Delta.
“This expansion means more than 700 well-paying jobs for our talented workforce. It’s a genuine compliment to our community that Amazon sees the TFN land at Deltaport as a great place to invest and build a future,” she said.
The Amazon TFN facility will be the company’s 10th in Canada. Amazon also employs 1,500 people at its tech hub in Vancouver
In total, Amazon employs more than 7,000 people throughout Canada and that number will be expanded with a new centre at the TFN opening next year.
The employees will pick, pack and ship customer items such as books, toys, small electronics and home goods.
In a news release, Premier John Horgan said it’s great Amazon continues to choose B.C.
“This expansion brings more opportunity for the people of the Tsawwassen First Nation and the Lower Mainland. As Amazon does its part to keep B.C. growing, our government is doing its part by opening the doors of opportunity to more people, building the workforce of the future, and making sure the economy works for everyone,” said Horgan.
Delta iPort is an industrial park developed by GWL Realty Advisors on behalf of project owner, the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan. TFN and HOOPP signed a 60-year lease agreement on the 23.3 acre parcel last year.
TFN Chief Bryce Williams said it’s a promising advancement that will unlock the potential of TFN as a leading development partner.
“For our members, TFN’s economic development represents reconciliation in action. The investments we’ve made in infrastructure, and the industrial and commercial projects that we’re moving forward, are creating opportunity and contributing to our community’s long-term economic sustainability. Initiatives like Amazon’s Lower Mainland fulfillment facility have the potential to play an important role in a strong, prosperous, and united TFN.”
GWLRA president Paul Finkbeiner noted industrial space in Metro Vancouver is constrained, so meeting the needs of Amazon for facility size and location requires creative thinking.
