Loblaws chooses Saskatchewan for new distribution hub

REGINA, Sask. — Loblaw Companies, Canada’s largest food distributor, has chosen Saskatchewan as the new location for its western Canadian distribution facility. This facility will be located adjacent to the Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway.

“Today’s announcement is a direct result of the intermodal facility announced last December,” said Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall. “Saskatchewan’s economy is experiencing unprecedented growth and with that growth comes new jobs for residents. Loblaw’s decision to locate a one-million square foot distribution facility three miles west of Regina is expected to generate 750 jobs within two years and as many as 1,500 jobs by 2017.”

Construction on the centre is expected to begin this fall. The new distribution centre is considered great news for the province, both in terms of jobs and economic momentum, according to Wall.

“Our government is committed to growing our economy by promoting the tremendous opportunities available in Saskatchewan and ensuring that Saskatchewan people benefit through new jobs and opportunities. Loblaw’s decision to locate this major western Canadian facility in southern Saskatchewan demonstrates that we have been successful in telling the new Saskatchewan story.”

As a complementary business in the CP intermodel facility, the centre will result in a $200 million investment in Saskatchewan. It will be owned and operated by a third-party logistics firm on behalf of Loblaws. In order to accommodate the proposed 1,400 trucks per week, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure says that plans have begun for significant road improvements in the area.

“Regina is a community of choice for investors, businesses and families looking for opportunity and a great place in which to live and work,” Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. “Today’s announcement signals the start of a massive development that will attract thousands of jobs and incredible opportunity to Regina and area. We have been planning for growth and development, and we will work with our provincial, federal and private partners to ensure the area is well planned and provides maximum benefit for Regina and area residents, businesses and investors.”

Canadian Pacific Railway has been a long-time partner of Loblaw and CP president and CEO Fred Green stated that the company is pleased to have helped facilitate this co-location at the future Regina intermodal facility.

“CP has been supporting Saskatchewan business for more than 100 years. Developments such as this clearly demonstrate the province is a great place to do business.”