Amazon announced Monday that 238 North American cities have
applied to host the Internet giant's second headquarters. However, Amazon did
not disclose the list of cities that participated.
The global online distribution giant could invest more than 5
billion USD in the construction of this new site, which is expected to cover an
area of 8 million square feet and which should generate up to 50,000 jobs.
Amazon, which requires a low tax rate, as well as incentives
for labor and land to settle, will announce its choice next year.
To increase its chances of success, Toronto has submitted a
regional application. Toronto Global has proposed a dozen sites that meet
Amazon's requirements.
By contrast, unlike other Canadian and US cities, Toronto's bid
does not include any financial incentives. Toronto Global President Mark Cohon
said it is not necessary. The Bloomberg
agency released Friday a portrait of the 10 cities most likely to win the bet,
and Toronto was the only Canadian city mentioned.
Hosting Amazon is not the simplest thing in the world.
Imagine some 50,000 people coming in with their families, maybe not overnight,
but relatively quickly. Imagine the need for housing, schools, care, transport.
Imagine the demands of a company that brings so much in exchange.
Just for transport, you need more buses, more trains, as
well as more efficient and reliable transportation options. In real estate too,
problems arise. to the region would have to find answers right away, not in 10
years. It is necessary, for example, to look at the urban plans according to
the place where the company wants to settle to see how to build offices and residential
housing in the vicinity.
If you are not able to move quickly, adapt, make decisions,
then you are not well positioned to host such an agile company. It's growing so
fast. Cities must move faster than ever.
So, yes, the influx of money is important and, yes, the
company brings well paid taxpayers to town, but how to make sure that the money
will be reinjected into the community for the benefit of all and to finance all
the required infrastructure? This will be a tall order for the winning city.
I look forward to reading your comments.
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