Amazon announced on September 8 that it is proceeding with construction of new fulfillment centres in two Ontario cities: Hamilton and Ajax.

The centres, which are expected to open in 2021, will create more than 2,500 jobs. The construction brings Amazon's total to 10 fulfillment centres in Ontario and 16 in Canada.

"We're thrilled to continue expanding our operations in Ontario with our newest fulfillment centres," said Sumegha Kumar, director of Canadian customer fulfillment operations at Amazon Canada. "We've had great success with the talented workforce in Ontario, and we look forward to creating an additional 2,500 full-time jobs with competitive pay and benefits starting on day one."

The fulfillment centre in Hamilton is planned at 855,000 square feet. It will employ more than 1,500 people who will pack and ship small items alongside Amazon robotics.

"I'm pleased that Amazon has chosen to locate its latest fulfillment centre in Hamilton," said Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough—Glanbrook. "This is evidence that business has confidence in Ontario as our government works to chart a path to economic recovery and get people back to work."

"This further highlights that Hamilton remains the top destination in the province to grow, innovate and do business," said Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of the City of Hamilton. “This is the beginning of a strong partnership with Amazon Canada, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in the future."

The Ajax fulfillment centre, meanwhile, will span one million square feet and employ more than 1,000 people. Employees will pack and ship large customer purchases from this location.

"Amazon's decision to build a facility in Ajax is great news for our town and Durham Region," said Rod Phillips, MPP for Ajax. "The 1,000 new, full-time jobs Amazon has committed to are coming at a crucial time. It is a good example of the kind of investment we need in Ontario as the economy recovers from COVID-19." 

"On behalf of Ajax Council, I want to express our excitement that Amazon has chosen to invest in Ajax," said Shaun Collier, Mayor of Ajax. "Amazon's name is synonymous with innovation, growth and technology, all of which reflect council's vision for Ajax. Welcoming a global leader like Amazon will mean so much to the community, keeping employment strong in the town, and across the region as we recover from COVID-19."

Retailer to also add five new delivery stations
Amazon also confirmed its plans to add five new delivery stations across Ontario. One, in Etobicoke, has already launched, and a second in Kitchener will launch later this year. The others—in Stoney Creek, Scarborough and Vaughan—will launch in 2021.

Delivery stations power the last mile of Amazon's order fulfillment process. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centres, and then loaded into vehicles for delivery to customers.

Amazon says the new delivery stations will create hundreds of permanent, full-time and part-time jobs.

"We're pleased to welcome Amazon, which has chosen to invest in the City of Kitchener through the establishment of one of its new delivery stations," said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.