Walmart Canada broke ground on a 550,000-square foot distribution centre in Vaughan on. August 12.

The building, which is scheduled to open in 2024, will handle ambient general merchandise and food products. More than 70 million cases of products from more than 3,000 suppliers will flow through the centre annually. It will handle the highest volume of any Walmart facility in the country.

"This is an exciting time for Walmart Canada and our customers across the country. Our new distribution centre is going to be a world-class facility, which will help us grow and make our business better and simpler for our customers," said Walmart Canada president and CEO Horacio Barbeito. "These are challenging times for everyone, but we are investing for growth because we believe in Ontario and Canada's future and are proud to do business in this great country."

Construction of the building on Jane Street is being led by Condor Properties, a Vaughan-based real estate development company that counts more than 70 years of experience in land development.

"We are honoured to work with Walmart Canada to build a next generation distribution centre that will set a new industry standard," said Angelo De Gasperis, founder and principal of Condor Properties. "This project is a big undertaking, but also a shining example of teamwork, commitment and a solution-driven approach."

The Vaughan facility is in addition to a new 300,000-square foot distribution centre currently under construction in Surrey, British Columbia. Walmart is also renovating an existing distribution centre in Cornwall.

The distribution centres are part of a suite of investments Walmart Canada is making to generate significant growth and make online and in-store shopping experience simpler, faster and more convenient for customers. In mid-July, the company announced it would invest $3.5 billion into its facilities and processes to augment its distribution and retail capabilities.

"I want to express my warmest and sincerest gratitude to Walmart Canada for choosing to build its new distribution centre here in Vaughan," said Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. "This facility represents an important investment in our city's future and will bring innovation and jobs to our growing community. Condor Properties continues to play a significant and meaningful role in the development of our city. Despite the universal challenges presented by COVID-19, Vaughan's local economy remains competitive, strong and resilient. Key economic development projects like this will ensure continued sustainable economic growth."