An Amazon facility, the first of its kind in British Columbia, and the size of about 35 Olympic-sized swimming pools, has opened in Pitt Meadows.
It is the company’s first storage and distribution centre in British Columbia, which is a specialized facility that stores, manages, and distributes inventory to regional fulfillment centres.
The 825,000 square foot facility is also the largest facility in the province, located on Airport Road, just east of Harris Road, and employs more than 100 people.
Inventory will be stored in bulk at the facility, allowing for a wider variety of products and quicker shipping, explained Suresh Kumar, director of operations.
Before this facility, inventory was coming in from other provinces, adding time to deliveries, Kumar noted.
"Having this facility here helps us keep the inventory for customers in British Columbia, and then we are able to deliver faster," he added.
City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald, in addition to Coun. Mike Hayes, Coun. Mike Manion, and Coun. Bob Meachen, among other dignitaries, were on hand to cut the ribbon and tour the new facility on Friday, June 6.
"This represents a significant milestone for Pitt Meadows and the region. This project reflects the growing recognition of Pitt Meadows as a strategic and desirable location for economic investment," said Macdonald.
"This facility will bring new jobs, skills training, and long term economic opportunities that contribute to the strength and viability of our special community," she said.
She said Amazon will spend $35,000 to construct 10 bike repair stations to be located throughout the city.
Diane Chamberlain, director of parks, rec, and culture with the City of Pitt Meadows, explained Amazon will be funding the full purchase of the stations and the city will be in charge of their installation and future maintenance.
Installation will cost $2,000 to $4,000, total, said Chamberlain.
Each station will allow for a bike to be mounted to an arm that folds out.
"So, if you have a flat tire, it's off the ground [for repairs]," she said.
There will also be access to air inflation at each station and the tower will hold between six to eight common tools for bikes for tightening handlebars or wheels, or adjusting a seat.
Chamberlain noted they are using data from trail counters to determine where to install the first 10 stations, and then determine by the data if they need additional stations or not.
They are hoping to have the first one installed this summer.
Locations of the stations will be put on the city's website.
