A 2nd Amazon Warehouse is Coming to Barrhaven
A bold new addition to Barrhaven’s industrial landscape is taking shape. Amazon is planning a state-of-the-art, five-storey logistics facility, set to rise across an irregularly shaped site with municipal addresses at 99 Bill Leathem Drive, 2 Leikin Drive, and 20 Leikin Drive. Strategically located, the site offers access from Paragon Avenue, Longfields Drive, and Bill Leathem Drive, making it highly connected to the surrounding road network and communities.
Here are details we were able to gleam from the City of Ottawa site application.
These are still early days – we will have more analysis once we study the site proposal in more detail.
A Massive, Efficient Footprint
Spanning a ground-level footprint of over 60,700 square metres (653,390 sq. ft.), the facility is designed with efficiency and scale in mind. It includes an additional 4,000 square metres (43,590 sq. ft.) of mezzanines and service platforms, supporting a total floor area of over 290,000 square metres (3.1 million sq. ft.).
While levels two through five are dedicated to operations and logistics, the ground floor will feature more than 1,500 square metres of modern office space, extending out from the building’s core to make the most of natural daylight. This ground-floor design not only creates a welcoming human-scale entry but also helps lower energy use by maximizing passive lighting.
Designed for Movement
The new Barrhaven Amazon facility is engineered for high-volume movement of both goods and people. The facility includes 59 loading docks for non-refrigerated trailers and a secure, fenced truck yard that can accommodate 482 trailers, for a total truck capacity of 541. On the associate side, there are 980 parking stalls, with space reserved for 205 future spots—a total of 1,185 vehicle spaces. The design also integrates 24 EV charging stations, 32 accessible spaces, and 291 bicycle racks, promoting active and sustainable transportation.
Traffic circulation is carefully managed, with raised crosswalks and separated pedestrian walkways enhancing safety. Cyclists benefit from dedicated pathways that connect Leikin Drive and Paragon Avenue to the main entrance, and multiple traffic circles help smooth out vehicle flow.
Sustainability at Its Core
Sustainable design is embedded throughout Project X, which is targeting LEED-equivalent performance. Among its green features:• A reflective roof to minimize heat gain
• Energy-efficient HVAC with energy recovery systems
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption
• Shaded parking areas to cut down on the urban heat island effect
• Drought-tolerant landscaping and dry stormwater ponds integrated into the site’s green infrastructure
Importantly, the building is solar ready—designed with increased roof load capacity and infrastructure to support future solar panel installation and net metering.
Architectural Expression Meets Operational Function
To visually reduce its massive scale, the building features vertical elements for stairwells and elevators, as well as arched corners and large glazed windows at the ground level. While the operational floors do not require windows, the ground-level office areas make full use of glazing to invite daylight and provide exterior views.
The exterior materials are a mix of durable prefabricated concrete panels at the base and insulated metal panels above, selected for both aesthetics and energy performance. The building’s warm color palette—sand, light gray, and zinc gray—is accented with bold, colorful canopies to aid in wayfinding and reinforce a welcoming, modern identity.
Thoughtful Landscaping and Climate Responsiveness
The building’s landscape plan helps soften the industrial aesthetic and improve the pedestrian experience. Trees and plantings buffer parking lots, create natural shade, and screen the truck yard from adjacent properties. The outdoor area at the building’s main entrance is oriented south, taking advantage of sunlight in winter while being protected from cold northwest winds—ideal for creating a sheltered microclimate usable year-round.
Areas of the site not required for development will be preserved as parkland or stormwater management zones, enhancing biodiversity and permeability across the property.
Looking Ahead
The new Amazon facility is more than a warehouse—it’s a purpose-built logistics hub that demonstrates how thoughtful industrial design can combine scale, efficiency, and sustainability. With strong connections to Ottawa’s road network, ample amenities for associates, and a future-ready infrastructure, it sets a new benchmark for industrial development in the city.
Stay tuned as this ambitious project moves from vision to reality.
