It's likely that this move is, in part, an attempt to address the business continuity risk.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Shield
Not only that but the public transit is undergoing rapid modernization (ie: light rail) and the software industry is spiking.
But there's all that sweet, sweet Rideau Canal beer and poutine.
Aside from that, Ottawa is home to a [small, but] thriving startup and tech community. Prices as compared to SV or Vancouver or Toronto would be lower, while quality of life remains high. Even if it's less exciting. I don't think it's a terrible suggestion. (And I'm saying that from Toronto!)
Ottawa city limits are already huge, so I can't imagine what else qualifies as the "metro area" Kingston perhaps? Or they're counting Gatineau as a separate city but within the metro area?
True, Montreal is also a great potential city for HQ2. They already have quite a tech presence there (OVH data centre, game studios, some media production)
I'm sure every medium sized Canadian city will be clamouring for this.
Obviously there are down sides, perpetual construction, governmental corruption, and Airport kinda sucks but it's still not too hard to access. Visa situation for US workers isn't too bad under NAFTA most of their (US and Canadian citizen) employees could transit between the two at will with a simple VISA
They would probably get the incentives they want if they did move there too from the provincial and federal level.
1. Huge amounts of Vacant office space.
2. > 1 Million People
3. No earthquakes
4. Educated population
5. Commuter rail (green line will make this even better)
6. Low corporate tax rates
7. Way lower cost of living then Toronto/Vancouver
8. Cheaper salaries
9. A very willing government
10. Close to tons of outdoor activities (similar to Denver here)
Calgary has major towers being built with < 50% vacancy, amazon here would be supported by almost everyone.
And the False Creek Flats are going through planned urbanization at the moment: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/false-creek-flats-plan-2017-05...
The median price for a condo in the City of Vancouver is approaching $1 million, and $3 million for a detached home.
http://www.vancourier.com/news/vancouver-s-median-condo-pric...
Okay, yes, house prices are unrealistic, but hear me out:
1. Not in the US (helpful for any non-American employees who can't get a visa or don't want to live in the current political climate in the US)
2. Relatively easy for Americans to work in Canada
3. Close proximity to Seattle
4. Canadian salaries are typically lower than America, so this could be a huge boon to Canadians working in tech that they're finally paid similar to US counterparts and/or Amazon can save a bundle on salary costs by paying the Canadian market rate...