Amazon opens disaster relief hub in Nisku

NISKU -- Amazon has announced the opening of its new disaster relief centre in Nisku.

The new hub will specialize in wildfire relief by stocking specialized equipment and supplies for donation to Canadian non-profits. The company says that this will allow them to support communities before, during, and after major disasters. The facility is operational now, with a grand opening planned for October 2026 when it reaches its full capacity with more than 180,000 emergency supplies ready to go.

"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."

The company says that they will work with non-profit organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross and Team Rubicon Canada to donate and deliver supplies within hours of a disaster from the disaster relief hub, stocking the items needed most for wildfire response. These include air purifiers and 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."

Officials with Amazon add that the hub will be stocked to respond to additional natural disasters as well, such as floods and tornadoes. It will contain general disaster relief supplies, including cleaning equipment and diapers, wipes, and strollers to support displaced families. The company is monitoring hundreds of active wildfires in Canada and says they're ready to respond to non-profit requests for assistance if needed.

"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.

The Nisku-based hub is Amazon's second wildfire-dedicated facility globally. The first wildfire relief hub opened in California in 2024, which has since grown significantly in capacity with thousands more masks, air purifiers, and general relief supplies. To keep the hub ready year-round, Amazon associates at the Edmonton fulfilment centre have the opportunity to dedicate a portion of their regular shifts each week to fully paid work supporting disaster relief efforts.