She considers herself a “smart-cities nerd” but says that the “smart city” branding that’s attracted so much attention is more Google’s than Toronto’s. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss Google’s affiliate Sidewalk Labs has abruptly abandoned its vision to transform Toronto’s waterfront into one of the world’s first “smart cities”. Google shuts down Toronto smart city project due to coronavirusEmail already exists. A rendering of the Quayside development in Toronto from February 2019. There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts Please Log in to update your newsletter preferencesPlease The … We've received your submission.Google has been given the green light to create a smart city in a disused area of Toronto, Canada.However, the controversial futuristic site will have to be on a much smaller scale than what was requested.The project is actually the brainchild of Google-affiliate urban innovation company Sidewalk Labs.It initially wanted to develop a 190-acre site but has been given permission for just 12 acres by Waterfront Toronto, the group which oversees the development area.The project has proved controversial for a number of reasons including the fact Sidewalk wanted to put data-collecting sensors around the city that it would oversee.Other wacky features include heated roads and an underground delivery system.A final formal evaluation of the project and public consultation is now set for March 2020, after which building could commence.Sidewalk Labs said: “We are encouraged by today’s decision by the Waterfront Toronto board and are pleased to have reached alignment on critical issues with Waterfront Toronto.”“We are working to demonstrate an inclusive neighborhood here in Toronto, where we can shorten commute times, make housing more affordable, create new jobs and set a new standard for a healthier planet.”Stephen Diamond, who chairs the Waterfront Toronto group, said in an open letter: “Let me be clear, this is not a done deal.

Post was not sent - check your email addresses! "In his blog, Dan Doctoroff said the firm continued to invest in start-ups "working on everything from robotic furniture to digital electricity". The most insightful comments on all subjects Reacting to Sidewalk's announcement, he said: "While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, Waterfront Toronto offers thanks and appreciation to Sidewalk Labs for its vision, effort and the many commitments that both the company and its employees have made to the future of Toronto. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post Sidewalk Labs, the smart-city startup from Google parent company Alphabet, has . try again, the name must be uniquePlease to your comment. She considers herself a “smart-cities nerd” but says that the “smart city” branding that’s attracted so much attention is more Google’s than Toronto’s. {{#replies}} 23 March 2018. try again, the name must be unique Start your Independent Premium subscription today.Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate?Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Google's 'secret' smart city on Toronto's waterfront sparks row . 23 March 2018. "I believe the ideas we have developed over the last two-and-a-half years will represent a meaningful contribution to the work of tackling big urban problems, particularly in the areas of affordability and sustainability. The project, which would have spanned 12 acres, apparently became “too difficult”. Rendering of Google's smart city in Toronto The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when Please There is still much work to do before a final decision.”“While a final board decision whether or not to proceed has yet to be made, we are pleased that we are now able to move to the evaluation stage on a project that has the potential to create new jobs and economic development opportunities, create a carbon-neutral neighborhood and more affordable housing units.”Sidewalk Labs initially won a contract to develop the area in Toronto back in 2017.It said it would provide a mix of offices, retail spaces, homes and high-tech solutions for urban problems like traffic and waste.Some of the proposals were criticized by Waterfront Toronto for being “tech for tech’s sake.”Citizen opposition group Block Sidewalk wants the project to be canceled entirely.It disapproves of a technology company being involved in city governance and wants citizens to be consulted more.Sidewalk Labs submitted a 1,524-page proposal for its high-tech urban utopia dream.It predicted it would create 44,000 direct jobs and house 5,000 people within three to four years.It also said the district would cut greenhouse gases by 89 percent through innovative methods.

"Quayside remains an excellent opportunity to explore innovative solutions to affordable housing, improved mobility, climate change and several other urban challenges that Toronto - and cities around the world - must address in order to continue to grow and succeed. There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts try again, the name must be uniquePlease There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts These are external links and will open in a new windowGoogle's sister firm Sidewalk Labs has scrapped a plan to build a smart city in Canada, citing complications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.For several years it had pursued ambitions to build a digital-first city in Toronto "from the internet up".Chief executive Dan Doctoroff blamed "unprecedented economic uncertainty" for abandoning the plan.The project had proved controversial and Sidewalk Labs had already been forced to scale back its ambitions. The transportation system of the future is … Toronto waterfront in line to be developed by Sidewalk Labs, the urban tech-focused subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet. try again, the name must be unique