Amazon expands last-mile network with new Alberta and Ontario sites

Amazon has opened two new delivery facilities in Lethbridge, Alta., and Owen Sound, Ont., as the company says it reaches its fastest delivery speeds ever for Prime members in Canada.

The facilities represent a newer business model for Amazon in Canada and are operated in partnership with local Delivery Service Partners — independent business owners who contract with the company to run package delivery services.

Customer orders are sorted at nearby Amazon delivery stations and shipped to the new sites, where Delivery Service Partners receive the parcels and load them onto vehicles for final delivery.

The Owen Sound facility measures more than 7,500 square feet and is in the city’s industrial park. The Lethbridge facility spans 20,000 square feet and is located in Churchill Industrial Park.

The launches follow similar Ontario openings in Sarnia and Cornwall in 2025 and Kingston in 2023.

“Amazon is committed to offering the fastest delivery speeds for our customers, and we are constantly innovating and investing in our local network, including in smaller cities and communities,” said Jasmin Begagic, director, AMZL Canada. “We’re proud to work directly with our local Delivery Service Partners to introduce two new facilities that help us serve more customers more efficiently.”

The company said the new facilities expand delivery territories for participating partners and provide amenities for drivers while enabling faster and more reliable delivery for customers.

“My drivers and I are so proud of to be part of the local community. Our team in Lethbridge and the surrounding area are hearing positive feedback from local customers, who appreciate the dedication of our drivers and our commitment to supporting local businesses and charities,” said Aminat Popoola owner of RHAY Logistics, the Delivery Service Partner operating out of the Lethbridge exchange point.

Amazon said it delivered more than 450 million items the same or next day to Prime members in Canada last year. More than 20 million items are available for Prime shipping in Canada, and more than 4,500 cities and towns — including Owen Sound and Lethbridge — are eligible for free one-day delivery.