Brampton Could Be Home to the Amazon’s Second North American Headquarters

Brampton–and everyone in Toronto and the GTA–woke up to some huge and exciting news this morning: the Toronto region has bee

Brampton–and everyone in Toronto and the GTA–woke up to some huge and exciting news this morning: the Toronto region has been identified as one of the top 20 contenders for the massive brand’s second North American headquarters (HQ2).

Toronto submitted a regional bid for HQ2 in 2017, meaning that Amazon could–should it select the region–set up shop in Toronto or its many surrounding cities. In fact, the Toronto region’s bid includes Brampton, Toronto, Mississauga, Durham Region, York Region, and Halton Region

Toronto is the only Canadian city on the shortlist.

Other cities being considered by Amazon include Boston, New York City, Pittsburgh, Washington, Atlanta, Miami and more.

You can see the full list of contenders in the graphic below:

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Graphic courtesy of Amazon

The news is indeed exciting, as the company said it expects HQ2 to be as big and bustling as its Seattle operation. It’s also expected to create significant employment opportunities for local residents. Last year, the company said it plans on investing over $5 billion in constructing and operating HQ2. The headquarters will also create 50,000 new jobs for its chosen city.

“We expect HQ2 to be a full equal to our Seattle headquarters,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, in a previous statement. “Amazon HQ2 will bring billions of dollars in upfront and ongoing investments, and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs. We’re excited to find a second home.”

“Full equal” is no joke – HQ1 in Seattle is massive. Amazon’s first headquarters boasts 33 buildings, takes up 8.1 million square feet, houses 24 restaurants and cafes, employs over 40,000 people, and has created 53,000 additional jobs across Seattle as a result of their investments.

Further, Amazon said in an earlier statement that it “estimates its investments in Seattle from 2010 through 2016 resulted in an additional $38 billion to the city’s economy – every dollar invested by Amazon in Seattle generated an additional 1.4 dollars for the city’s economy overall.”

While the news is encouraging, an earlier third-party report indicated that the Toronto region might have its work cut out for it when it comes to competing with Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Still, the shortlist should make Toronto and GTA residents optimistic. 

“The Toronto Region is ready for Amazon,” said a statement from the Mayors and Chairs of the cities and regions – Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey included, back in 2017.

“The company already has a strong presence in the area, with more than two-million square feet of operational footprint across the Toronto Region. With ready access to major markets, a compelling cost structure, and sophisticated U.S. and international connectivity, there has never been a better time for Amazon to choose the Toronto Region.”