Canadian North doubles cargo capacity at Ottawa airport with $22M facility
The Arctic airline's new 42,646-square-foot facility officially opened last month, doubling capacity and adding cooler, freezer, and pharmaceutical storage.
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Canadian North, the Ottawa-based airline serving remote northern communities, officially opened its new 42,646-square-foot cargo facility near Ottawa International Airport last month at 145 Thad Johnson Private — a $22-million investment that doubles the carrier's local capacity.
The expansion reflects growing demand as Canada's Arctic develops and northern communities expand. "Ottawa, the city, is well-positioned geographically, and we do have a modern airport with room to grow," said Canadian North President and CEO Shelly De Caria. "As the increase in demand is there, and we see the efficiencies that this new cargo facility is bringing forward, it's a much more reliable supply chain."
Nearly 29,000 tonnes of freight moved through YOW in 2025, making cargo an increasingly important growth area for the airport. The new facility adds temperature-controlled space for perishables, dedicated pharmaceutical storage for sensitive materials like blood samples, and even a section for human remains.
Canadian North operates a fleet of 34 aircraft — mostly Boeing 737s and ATR turboprops — that can move 45,000 to 55,000 kilograms of cargo daily to Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. The airline transports everyday goods like groceries, diapers, and medical supplies alongside industrial goods that keep isolated communities functioning. Ottawa International Airport Authority CEO Susan Margles said the investment signals the importance of a strong northern supply chain, particularly as defence activity increases in the Arctic.
