Google is expanding its Canadian footprint.
Last week, the world’s fourth-most valuable company announced plans to open new offices in three Canadian cities. There will be enough space for around 5,000 employees by 2022.
The most ambitious space is in Toronto, which will cover 400,000 square feet in a development on King St. E. In Montreal, Google will move in just south of Chinatown. In Kitchener-Waterloo, it’ll expand across the street from its current location on Breithaupt Street.
“Today’s announcement by Google means more jobs and more investment in our city — this is good news for Toronto and Canada,” said Mayor John Tory in the release. “We are the fastest growing city in North America with one of the fastest growing tech and innovation sectors. I am proud that Google recognizes the importance of continuing to grow its presence here and in nearby Waterloo.”
Toronto will also be home to a “smart city” developed by Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Some call it a “city of the future” while others see it as an assault on privacy. Nevertheless, the development is expected to create more than 9,000 construction jobs in Ontario, plus almost 4,000 long-term jobs after completion.
Google’s first Canadian office was opened in Toronto in 2001. One person worked there. Today, the company employs more than 1,500 people nationwide.
