The good, bad, and ugly: Twitter reacts to Toronto making Amazon's HQ2 short list
Yesterday, it was revealed that Toronto was Canada’s only city to make Amazon’s short list of 20 cities for its next headquarters.
The Twittersphere, of course, blew up when the news first broke.
The news was greeted with a very positive response here at home (and south of the border too), with a majority of people agreeing that Toronto is definitely a top contender for Amazon’s HQ2.
We’ve got a great success story here in the Toronto Region and the @amazon bid has given us the opportunity to share that story. We are a place where everyone is welcome. #AmazonHQ2 pic.twitter.com/k65C1zH1e5
— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 18, 2018
Thrilled to see Toronto among 20 cities shortlisted for Amazon’s HQ2. Ontario is increasingly recognized for its top tech talent & as a leading destination for international investment. https://t.co/tLsD7I7fxl
— Giles Gherson (@gilesgherson) January 18, 2018
Hope Toronto gets new @amazonca headquarters! Home of the best, brightest and most culturally diverse city in the world. @TorontoComms @torontolife @MyTOFD @WaterfrontBIA @amazon @CP24 @Kathleen_Wynne @norm 🌞
— YYZ Bliss (@yyz_bliss) January 19, 2018
Excited to see #Ontario recognized for its top tech talent as Toronto makes the short list for the new @amazon headquarters.#HQ2 #InvestOntario #InvestCanada #InternationalInvestment pic.twitter.com/WLvrKFCyDw
— InvestOakville (@InvestOakville) January 18, 2018
Thrilled for #Toronto Congratulations on making the shortlist for #AmazonHQ2
— ANDREA BURKE (@ACTIONGIRL12) January 18, 2018
I think Toronto is the sleeper in all of this. Would not be surprised at all if it ultimately won this sweepstakes.
— Dennis Monahan (@dennis_monahan) January 18, 2018
Toronto would make a great location @Amazon #AmazonHQ2 !
— BlueShedStrong💦💨 (@kenzie8888) January 18, 2018
Some pretty good company to be in. Tremendous opportunity for and showcase of #Toronto and #Ontario
— Rocco Rossi (@roccorossiTO) January 18, 2018
Of course, not everyone agreed with Toronto making the short list and many Twitter users were quick to share their two cents on why Canada’s biggest city doesn’t deserve to land the new headquarters.
no way Toronto will be chosen. the city’s infrastructure is too bad. 50-90 minutes for 15km to go to work is a freaking joke.
— Helmut K. C. Tessarek (@tessus) January 18, 2018
Zero chance they come to Toronto when other US cities are offering tax credits in the billions.
They will need a better pitch than “quality of life”.
— Sean (@huxelhoff19) January 18, 2018
I hope they are prepared for sky high land costs!
— David Goldstein (@IsraeliAtheist6) January 18, 2018
Between land cost, taxes and hydro costs it’s unlikely.
We have companies leaving the province for those reasons so I can’t see how a company like Amazon would simply ignore them— David Ingram (@dingram68) January 18, 2018
Toronto aint in america thoe
— (bct) EE1631 (@acidbeastmode88) January 18, 2018
Get real #Toronto. The new headquarters will be in the USA. It’s an American company (just Google it). But go ahead and post overtures on Facebook anyway #AmazonHQ2
— bvsiness™ (@bvsiness) January 18, 2018
And finally, there were a few reactions that were just downright questionable…
Why wouldn’t Amazon choose Toronto for HQ2? We have great stores and extreme hamburgers and an amazing indie choir scene!
— Michael A. Balazo (@mbalazo) January 19, 2018
So we all agree if Amazon goes with Toronto, we build a northern wall, drone strike the city & smelt the Stanley Cup down, right? https://t.co/SS0cR3YsZe
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) January 18, 2018
We’re disappointed that Calgary was not included on Amazon’s #HQ2 short list, but we’re proud of Calgary’s bold campaign and our community for rallying around it. The global attention received will help attract other companies to come to #yyc. But in the meantime, go, Toronto go! pic.twitter.com/GdFzLvbFWN
— Calgary Economic Dev (@calgaryeconomic) January 18, 2018
Breaking: the clown who runs the Kit Kat restaurant blames Amazon shortlisting Toronto on recent business losses at his shitty joint.
— Drew Fairservice (@DrewGROF) January 18, 2018
Toronto’s Mayor has tweeted nothing about the police arrest of a serial killer of gays. Not one word.
Apparently he’s excited about giving tax breaks to Amazon.#TOpoli https://t.co/4JFVZTZoYa
— Rick Barnes (@queerthoughts) January 19, 2018
If Toronto gets Amazon HQ2 Trump needs to level that city with airstrikes to send a message. The jobs go to America, only. pic.twitter.com/ORlQf3ex4f
— Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) January 18, 2018