Sobeys

This state-of-the-art distribution centre for Sobeys Inc. (“Sobeys”), a leading Canadian food retailer, is one of the largest freestanding industrial buildings ever constructed in Metro Vancouver. A critical component in Sobeys’ supply chain, this custom-built facility allows for the consolidation of their distribution, which was previously spread across Metro Vancouver. Sobeys’ turn-key facility is the largest integrally insulated concrete tilt-up freezer building in Western Canada and is only the second tilt-up freezer building to ever be constructed in British Columbia. Built to FM Global Standards, this 530,575 SF building includes 13,196 SF of office space across two floors, 168,963 SF of ambient storage and distribution, and 29,606 SF of building plant and equipment maintenance area. Cold storage, distribution and cross-dock space is essential for Sobeys’ operations, making up 314,690 SF of the facility, 97,108 SF of which freezer space. The temperature in these areas of the building ranges between 12˚C to -23˚C (56.3˚F to -9.4 ˚F) to meet the unique requirements of Sobeys. As freezer space is a critical component of this building, power outages must be immediately managed in order to keep stock fresh and safe for consumption. In order to mitigate this risk, the building has an emergency back-up power system. The largest building ever constructed by Beedie, Sobeys approval and construction timeline was significantly condensed to accommodate the lease expiry of several of their existing facilities. Originally designated for a six-lot subdivision, Beedie worked closely with the City of Surrey to submit the Development Permit under the Certified Professional program to keep the site unified as a single lot. Composed of 325 insulated concrete tilt panels totalling 168,365 SF of wall panel surface area, construction of Sobeys commenced in January 2019 and was completed in May 2020. Sobeys’ new facility allows for their continued growth throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, while providing access to the labour pools required to sustain this growth. Located in Surrey with convenient access to major highways and the Canadian American border, Sobeys is perfectly situated between their distributors and stores, allowing them to maintain their promise of providing the freshest food in their stores across southern British Columbia.