The identity of a tenant corporation set to operate a new, massive facility at the Victoria International Airport has been revealed: Amazon.
Victoria Aiport Authority (VAA) confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday, saying that they have approved plans for the 115,000 sq. ft. delivery station and warehouse development.
The new facility will occupy 7.8 acres of industrial zoned land along Beacon Avenue between Graham Road and McDonald Park Road. Construction is slated to begin in September and is expected to finish in fall 2022.
VAA says the Amazon building will serve as a “last-mile” delivery station for the world’s largest online marketplace.
“We are pleased to welcome Amazon to Victoria International Airport and the peninsula,” said Victoria Airport Authority President and CEO, Geoff Dickson.
“We would like to thank York Realty and Amazon for the vision they have shown in choosing this location with a goal to meet the growing demands of the region.”
Following a presentation to the Town of Sidney in April and a consultation process, the VAA says the project was revised by York Realty to respond to concerns.
According to the VAA, these revisions include:
- an overall height reduction in the facility, including the removal of the second level of the warehouse
- a re-alignment of access points along Galaran Road
- more emphasis on building facade design and landscaping
- incorporation of Indigenous design elements in collaboration with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, Tseycum First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, and Tsawout First Nation
The VAA says that a study was also conducted by Watt Consulting Group on anticipated traffic volume. This study says that the intersection of Beacon Avenue and McDonald Park Road will see an increase of 12 percent, while the portion of Galaran Road that is adjacent to the site will see a 36 percent increase.
In response to these traffic concerns, VAA says they intend to work with York Realty, the Town of Sidney and the District of North Saanich on a roundabout at the intersection of Galaran Road and Beacon Avenue.
The intersection of Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue is also being reviewed, as well as a potential realignment of Stirling Way.
VAA says they anticipate the project will create 260 permanent jobs, and will generate approximately $900,000 in annual property tax revenue. The new project design is also expected to incorporate a 100kW solar array, which they say will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by two tonnes annually.
Job postings for Amazon in British Columbia are posted on www.amazon.com/bcjobs. Positions at the new facility have not yet been posted.
