Controversial Blair warehouse will be Amazon fulfillment centre
Amazon has confirmed it’s behind the controversial warehouse project being built in the Village of Blair.
Cambridge city council cleared the way for construction of the one-million-square-foot warehouse at a meeting earlier this year, despite fierce opposition from Blair residents.
On Tuesday, Amazon Canada announced the facility would be home to a new fulfilment centre, expected to open in 2025.
“We’re so proud to call Cambridge home and create great jobs,” Amazon Canada economic development manager Brooks Barnett said in a media release.
“Our new fulfillment centre will ship larger items, like patio furniture, outdoor equipment, and much more, which means people power is so important. Thank you to Mayor McGarry and local council for their collaboration and leadership in bringing Amazon to Cambridge.”
The company says the warehouse will create more than 1,000 jobs.
McGarry, Cambridge’s mayor, says the project is a great opportunity for the city, not just because of the Amazon jobs but also the construction jobs it will create.
“This is something that will benefit absolutely everyone in the community. It adds to the economic prosperity of our city in so many ways,” said McGarry. “But there’s so much more opportunity for even more jobs and prosperity for area companies.”
But a group of Blair residents have been granted a judicial review scheduled for February 2023.
"Yeah, it's a different perspective in Blair," said Alan Van Norman, co-chair of Blair Engaged.
They say this project is not a done deal. They have been fighting against the project for more than a year, citing concerns about the environment, along with traffic and noise.
“We haven’t gone away," said Van Norman. "We’re still in the game and will be pursuing our rights through the courts and we’ll see where it goes. Basically asking for a higher authority to review the city’s decision making.
"We are very optimistic about it. We think the City of Cambridge had blantant disregard for the Ontario Heritage Act."
Van Norman said this summer the group filed an application for a judicial review.
"It was accepted, as far as we know the court is scheduled to hear our case in February," said Van Norman.
McGarry said the new warehouse could help boost the region’s economic prosperity,
“It makes sense it’s right on the 401, it’s right near an exit onto the 401, it has been zoned industrial mostly many years, and I think this is a real jewel in our city to increase our economic prosperity,” said McGarry.
The Cambridge mayor adds that the developer has agreed to limit thenumber of trucks on the road, will plant more trees on site, and increase the height of the berm wall facing the community to decrease noise.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.