Winnipeg Design-Build company to lead creation of Canada Post’s new state-of-the-art plant in Winnipeg
July 3, 2008
News Release
Winnipeg (July 3, 2008) – Canada Post announced today that it has awarded the contract to design and build a new state-of-the-art mail processing plant in Winnipeg to Caspian Projects Inc./Aecon Buildings, a division of Aecon Construction Group Inc. Joint Venture. The new mail-processing plant will be built on a 27-acre parcel of land located at the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. The plant, together with its new equipment and technology, represents a $100 million investment in Winnipeg. Its opening is planned for mid-2010.
“We are very excited about contracting with two of the top Canadian construction firms as we continue to transform our company into a modern post,” said Moya Greene, President and CEO, Canada Post Corporation. “This is the largest investment Canada Post has made in a city’s postal operation in the last 20 years. We are so pleased that a Winnipeg-based contractor will be with us as we take our first steps to invest as much as $1.9 billion over the next several years to revitalize our network in order to better serve our customers.”
Canada Post believes that its relationship with Caspian/Aecon will most certainly result in an environmentally and socially conscious Canada Post facility for Winnipeg through achieving LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
“The architectural team has done a wonderful job with the design,” said Bill Davidson, Canada Post’s Senior Lead, Postal Transformation, Western Canada. “The building features a bold, innovative and functional design that will incorporate natural elements from Manitoba, such as Tyndall Stone, into a modern industrial building. The canopy over the front entrance, in the shape of a wing, highlights our connection to the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.”
The President of Winnipeg’s Caspian Projects Inc., Armik Babakhanians, is delighted to be building Winnipeg its new mail processing plant. “As a Winnipeg-based contractor that performs work nationally, we are extremely pleased that Caspian Construction, as well as our Winnipeg-based design and construction team, will be creating such a significant facility for Canada Post, as well as a welcome addition to the new Winnipeg Airport Re-development.”
“We are proud to be part of the team building Canada Post’s new Winnipeg Mail Processing Plant,” said Chairman and CEO of Aecon Construction Group Inc., John M. Beck. “In addition to being an important part of our national infrastructure, the new plant will be LEED certified – an indication of Canada Post’s commitment to environmental sustainability.”
The current building at 266 Graham Avenue is now for sale through Canada Post’s national broker CB Richard Ellis. Interested parties should contact: Wally Pollock (416) 798-6203 or Peter Kaufmann (204) 985-1362. Even though 266 Graham Avenue has only just now been put on the market, potential buyers have been expressing interest in the property since the creation of the new plant was announced in Winnipeg in November 2007. After 266 Graham Avenue is sold, Canada Post will work with the new owner to explore the potential for a continued presence there for its regional staff.
Once the new mail processing plant is open for business in 2010, Canada Post will maintain a presence in downtown Winnipeg through its Corporate Retail Outlet and Customer Contact Centre. In addition, Canada Post will begin demolition of the buildings at 730 Portage Avenue this fall to make way for the construction of a new Letter Carrier Depot in 2009.
Davidson is thrilled that a Winnipeg construction firm will be putting its local “postmark” on the City of Winnipeg. “Canada Post looks forward to an excellent working relationship with Caspian/Aecon that will result in a truly modern postal facility for Winnipeg – sure to reinforce Manitoba’s role as a key transportation and logistics hub,” he said.
For more information:
Kathi Neal, Manager,
Media & Community Affairs
Manitoba & NW Ontario
Canada Post
(204) 987-5763, (204) 880-8413 or
Kathryn.neal@canadapost.ca |
