Amazon building second distribution centre in Ottawa

Amazon to open facility in Barrhaven Amazon's 2nd distribution centre under construction in Barrhaven. CTV’s Jeremie Charron reports.

OTTAWA — Amazon has announced it will be building a second distribution centre in Ottawa.

The new 450,000 square foot facility will be built in the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven, and is scheduled to open in 2021.

Amazon says the new distribution centre will focus on small items, like books, electronics, and toys. Employees will work alongside robots to pack and ship items.

A one-million square foot Amazon facility in Ottawa's southeast focuses on larger items.

Amazon says the second facility in Ottawa will require 1,000 full-time staff, who will start at $16/hour.

''I'm pleased that Amazon has once again chosen to invest in Ottawa," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson in a press release. "This facility will create more than 1,000 jobs for our residents when it opens in 2021, and it will help keep employment strong in our city.''

Barrhaven ward councillor Jan Harder is quoted in the release saying, ''I'm thrilled that this advanced robotics fulfillment centre is coming to Citigate to create over 1,000 jobs in Barrhaven, helping us diversify our community's employment base. I want to thank Amazon for going ahead with this project, and I look forward to attending the official opening.''

The new distribution centre is being developed by Broccolini, the same company that built the first one on Boundary Road.

Amazon says it is also planning five new delivery stations across Ontario in Whitby, Oakville, Cambridge, Brampton, and Scarborough, with the sites anticipated to launch in 2020.

'Very Exciting': Barrhaven community reacts

The owner Tutti Frutti, a local breakfast and lunch spot just a walking distance away, says Amazon coming to Barrhaven gives him a bit of hope.

"We’re hoping for a huge impact. We were already pretty successful before the pandemic and this will only add to hopefully making it better," said Garry Pelletier, owner of Tutti Frutti.

Pelletier says COVID-19 has taken a toll on businesses, but this announcement is something to look forward to.

For Barrhaven residents CTV News spoke with, the retail giant's arrival is welcomed, though some are worried about traffic.

"I think it’s good for Barrhaven because it’s growing so fast and it makes more jobs and brings business out here," said Lorie Roy, who lives in Barrhaven.

"I appreciate the fact that there’s a thousand jobs coming to the area, but traffic is going to be a nightmare," added Barrhaven resident Jeremy Rabinovitch.

Amazon says it is also planning five new delivery stations across Ontario in Whitby, Oakville, Cambridge, Brampton, and Scarborough, with the sites anticipated to launch in 2020.

This will be Amazon's eighth fulfillment centre in Ontario and its 14th in Canada.