Walmart Surrey - Distribution Centre

Location Surrey, BC
Area 300,000 sq. ft.
Status Completed, 2023

Optimizing supply to the regional market

As part of a major investment program to support growth and enhance the customer experience, Walmart Canada has built a new state-of-the-art fresh produce distribution centre in Surrey, British Columbia for $175 million.

With a total area of almost 300,000 sq. ft., this site uses cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions to supply grocery products, as well as fresh and frozen foods, to 45 Walmart stores in British Columbia.

Project team

Jerry Coviensky

OAQ, OAA, AAA, AIBC, LEED AP

Partner

Jerry Coviensky

Aerial view of Walmart Surrey Distribution Centre in British Columbia, by GKC Architecture & Design

Courtesy Walmart

Integrating technology to boost productivity

This highly complex project is home to ambient and temperature-controlled rooms for fruit and vegetables, as well as refrigerators and freezers. As Architect and Prime Consultant, GKC ensured that the building fully met Walmart's operational requirements, while providing recommendations and solutions to optimize its operation and the integration of logistics systems. Notably, the centre features an automated sorting system with 20-metre-high mobile cranes and tray and pallet conveyors designed to handle up to 150,000 order selections per day.

The project team also designed the steel structure in compliance with local seismic standards, while ensuring that the flow of materials was not impeded. In addition, alternative solutions were developed to meet the building's specific fire protection and evacuation requirements.

In line with Walmart's objective to reduce the carbon footprint of its facilities, the centre was built to maximize height. Standing at 22 metres, this design reduces the building's footprint by half, significantly lowering its environmental impact.

The technological and environmental challenges specific to this project prompted GKC to propose innovative solutions to make this site a major distribution hub in the region and a benchmark for future Walmart distribution centres.

Jerry Coviensky OAQ, OAA, AAA, AIBC, LEED AP

Partner
This new facility, featuring state-of-the-art technology that focuses on sustainability and achieving zero-waste, is a big step in the right direction.

- Bruce Ralston

Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Minister of Energy,
Surrey is the most technologically-advanced facility for Walmart in Canada and is also the future hub for our electric fleet.

- John Bayliss

Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer, Walmart Canada.

©Derek Lepper

Innovative solutions to reduce environmental and visual impact

Energy-efficient technologies
The project team implemented several other sustainable solutions to minimize the building's energy consumption and GHG emissions, including a CFC-free CO2-based refrigeration system, a low-energy LED lighting system and an HVAC system that uses heat recovery to save energy. In addition, electric charging stations were installed for trucks, and bioswales and infiltration galleries were installed to reduce rainwater discharges into municipal sewers.

Exterior design
On the exterior, the project team opted for a cladding composed of metal panels in warm hues that harmonize with the surrounding natural wooded landscape. The textured panels on the façade come to life when hit by sunlight, adding dynamic visual appeal at street level. The façades are also enlivened by rainwater downspouts placed at regular intervals on the walls.

Urban integration
Special attention was paid to urban integration in additional ways. For example, an elegant architectural screen was erected along the street-facing façades; in addition to protecting the loading docks and truck parking area, this screen helps to create a welcoming area within the industrial park. Rooftop mechanical equipment is set back from the façades to minimize noise and reduce visual impact from the street.

The landscape design was carefully planned and is featured at the front and around the perimeter of the building. A public square is located at the corner of the site, with tables and benches for employees and passers-by to take a break.