Calgary is hoping to be the destination for Amazon’s second North American headquarters — but whether or not that occurs a new warehouse facility will be opening north of the city.
The online retailer announced Thursday it would be opening a new fulfillment centre in the Balzac area in Rocky View County.
Amazon has leased an existing space while a new custom fulfillment centre is built on a 42-acre site nearby.
The leased space will allow the company to begin operations almost immediately, with the new facility expected to be completed in 2018.
According to Rocky View County, the new fulfillment centre will be the size of six city blocks and will create a number of construction-related jobs in the short term, while in the long term the facility will bring 750 full-time jobs to the county with even more seasonal positions.
Premier Rachel Notley, Alberta Infrastructure Minister Sandra Jansen and federal Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities Kent Hehr joined together in Balzac for the announcement.
“Amazon’s expansion is more proof that Alberta is the best place in Canada to invest and do business,” Notley said.
“We pay billions less tax than any province, and have no payroll tax, health-care premiums or sales tax. Creating hundreds of good-paying, stable and long-term jobs is making life better for Alberta families.”
Rocky View County Reeve Greg Boehlke was also in attendance.
“Many of the world’s leading retail and consumer products companies have moved here over the past few years, and Amazon will find its confidence in the county well placed” Boehlke said.
“Amazon’s move reinforces Rocky View County’s role as an economic driver in the Calgary region.”
Calgary was one of 238 centres to enter a bid for the company’s second North American headquarters – called HQ2.