Google sister company working with Waterfront Toronto to redevelop part of lakefront
The concept of a "smart" neighbourhood in Toronto designed with cutting edge technology made by an internet giant is a thrilling idea for some, but a concern for others.
Waterfront Toronto announced this week it will partner with Sidewalk Labs, a sister company of Google, to develop the east waterfront — a mostly derelict former industrial space on the shore of Lake Ontario, south of Parliament Street.
... the proposals also raise serious questions about the public's privacy in a neighbourhood that would be full of cameras and sensors, as well as how the new designs would actually get built.
"They have no permission to build anything," said Coun. Paula Fletcher, who has been heavily-involved in plans to redevelop the nearby Port Lands.
Fletcher says she's looking forward to seeing the ideas Sidewalk comes up with following a year's work and a series of public consultations, but warns they'll be held to a high standard.
"It has to be good enough for Toronto. And it has to meet certain standards as far as jobs and land use are concerned," she said.
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City shouldn't 'take our eyes off' Sidewalk's plans
Waterfront Toronto's outline of the project states that the city is at a "crossroads" and lists the following challenges — climate change, providing housing for all sorts of people, and job creation.
Yesterday @WaterfrontTO announced partnership with @sidewalklabs to build a technologically cutting-edge neighbourhood on one of North America's largest underdeveloped urban land. pic.twitter.com/GzjghhByZ3
— @JohnTorySean Meagher, executive director of Social Planning Toronto, says the city should be doing this work, Google or not.
He says the concept is "super exciting," but urges the city and public to watch Sidewalk's proposals closely.
"Let's make sure we don't take our eyes off protecting the public interest," he said.
Meagher says while data can be a powerful tool to help develop communities, Sidewalk should also make sure it considers the "real lived experience" of those in the area.
Doctoroff is vowing Sidewalk's work won't be a "top down" development. The organization's first public consultation is set for Nov. 1.
