Amazon opens first Canadian disaster relief hub in Edmonton

Amazon has opened its first Disaster Relief hub in Canada, dedicating part of an existing fulfilment centre in Edmonton to supporting communities before, during and after major disasters.

The hub is focused on wildfire response and is operational now, with a grand opening planned for October 2026. Once fully stocked, it will have more than 180,000 emergency supplies available for nonprofits and emergency responders.

“Amazon uses its global scale and strengths to make a positive impact in communities, and this hub is a powerful example of that,” said Eva Lorenz, vice-president and country manager of Amazon Canada. “By dedicating a portion of an existing facility where we deliver for customers every day, we can also serve communities when disaster strikes, responding in hours, not days. Our team in Edmonton will keep the hub ready year-round, stocking specialized wildfire relief supplies, so first responders get what they need fast. We’re proud to partner with the nonprofits doing this critical work, bringing Amazon’s global disaster relief network to Canadian communities.”

Amazon said it will work with organizations including the Canadian Red Cross and Team Rubicon Canada to deliver supplies within hours of a disaster. The hub will stock wildfire response supplies such as air purifiers, N95 masks, heavy-duty boots and gloves, respirators, helmets, goggles and sifters.

“Wildfire season in Canada is starting earlier, lasting longer, and becoming harder to contain. Wildfires don’t wait—and neither do we,” said Abe Diaz, Amazon’s head of disaster relief. “El Niño drives temperatures higher, drying out vegetation and turning landscapes into fuel. Wildfires surge dramatically during these cycles. Our expansion in Canada means we’ll be prepared on both sides of the border to put resources in the hands of communities in hours, not days.”

The hub will also stock general disaster relief supplies for events such as floods and tornadoes, including cleaning equipment and items for displaced families such as diapers, wipes and strollers.

“Disasters are increasing in complexity, intensity, and duration. We have entered a new normal in terms of Canada‘s response requirements, and our communities cannot wait for help to arrive. This hub is a game changer. It means that when our teams hit the ground, their supplies are right behind them—and that’s the difference between responding in days to now being able to respond within hours,” said Team Rubicon Canada chief operating officer Tim Kenney.

The Canadian Red Cross said disaster preparedness is an increasing need.

“The Canadian Red Cross recognizes the increasing need for disaster preparedness and is grateful to Amazon and all those who are investing in building response readiness and community resilience,” said vice-president of emergency management at the Canadian Red Cross, Melanie Soler.

Amazon associates at the Edmonton fulfilment centre will work on the hub as part of their regular shifts, receiving, sorting and organizing relief supplies. When a disaster strikes, associates can shift to full-time hub operations to prepare and ship supplies.

“At YEG1, our team is known for our active community involvement, and helping the communities around us is at the heart of what drives us,” said Osman Butt, site leader at Amazon’s Edmonton fulfilment centre. “We are incredibly proud to be the home of Amazon’s first Disaster Relief hub in Canada. Knowing that what we do here will help our neighbours across the country when they need it most—that’s what makes this meaningful for everyone on the team.”

Amazon said the Edmonton hub is its second wildfire-dedicated facility globally, following the opening of its first in California in 2024. The company now operates 12 Disaster Relief hubs across seven countries and has donated and delivered more than 30 million relief items in response to more than 200 disasters since 2017.