BRAMPTON, ON – Amazon announced its decision to expand its headquarters to New York City and Arlington, Virginia, in a press release earlier today.

The City of Brampton was proud to be shortlisted in this process, part of the Toronto Region bid through Toronto Global that was the only Canadian location to make the final list of 20.

This was a clear signal that Brampton, and the rest of the Toronto region, is recognized around the world as an attractive destination for business investment.  Brampton is a proven competitor, and will continue to compete on the global stage for jobs and investment. The bid book highlighting the region’s strengths to Amazon has been downloaded more than 17,000 times.

The location presented to Amazon – the CAA lands – remains an integral component to the City’s jobs and investment attraction strategy. The site, referred to as Uptown in Brampton’s 2040 Vision, is a multi-use centrepiece to the future of the City. The site is a key development opportunity that represents more than 110 acres of publicly owned, premium real estate located next to two major highways and minutes away from a major international airport.

Since the submission of Brampton’s Amazon HQ2 bid, the City has been working to make the site investment ready, completing essential due diligence baseline studies and exploring development approaches and models. City staff have also been collaborating with various levels of government to explore possibilities for joint investment into the site, including the opportunity to connect the site to the 410 and 407 highways

Brampton provides an unparalleled pipeline to talent as Canada’s second fastest growing city with approximately 14,000 new residents per year. It is the youngest municipality in Canada with an average age of 36.5 years, and is tremendously diverse – home to people from 209 different cultures. Tech companies are recognizing Brampton’s potential and its active and dynamic tech community. Software firm Plexxis recently opened in Brampton, already home to names like Rogers and Canon. New opportunities for talent development are emerging as well, as Brampton is working with Ryerson University to bring cybersecurity programming and a new business incubator to downtown Brampton.
Amazon was just one possibility to realize the potential of the site and we look forward to working with investors who share the City’s vision on the value of the CAA site and advantages Brampton has to offer businesses.

Quotes
“Amazon HQ2 was an opportunity to supercharge tech-focused job growth in Brampton, however, we’re confident our economic development strategy, the work we’re doing with the CAA lands and our exciting tech sector remain strong drivers for achieving Brampton’s 2040 Vision.”
- Councillor Jeff Bowman, Economic Development Chair

“Brampton has an undeniable investment story that is gaining global recognition, and the location of the CAA site represents an exceptional and exciting development opportunity. We’ve expanded our reach, and are competing on a global stage where more decision makers know about Brampton’s talent, diversity and significant plans to be a top-tier destination for future growth, development and investment.”
- Bob Darling, Director, Economic Development & Culture

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