The public got its first chance to weigh in on a controversial proposal to makeover a sliver of Toronto waterfront as an ambitious experiment in "smart city" technology.
More than 100 people showed up the first public hearing since Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet, released a 1,500-page proposal for the development of Quayside on the waterfront in Toronto.
"Much of the purpose of these opening sessions, Waterfront Toronto officials said, was to tackle confusion over the immensity of the proposal itself," according to an article by the Toronto Star that provides a recap of the meeting.
"Worries about the sheer scope of the project, the absence of an overall summary of the digital giant’s ambitions and a lack of detail about the Google subsidiaries’ partnerships were among the concerns raised in the breakout sessions…"
"Other objections raised Monday night included questions over regulatory changes the proposed project would require, above and beyond the authority of Waterfront Toronto."
The article also discusses reactions to many specific components of the proposal. Three more public hearings are set for the coming weeks, with a second wave of hearings scheduled for the fall.
FULL STORY: Google’s Quayside plan goes under microscope at first public meeting
The Four Design Teams Shortlisted for Quayside Redevelopment
After Alphabet-owned Sidewalk Labs dropped the project, Toronto is evaluating other proposals for redeveloping their waterfront.
Tech and the Post-Pandemic City
To steer American cities into the future, public and private sectors—and citizens—must work together to build broad, lasting support around complicated issues such as transparency and data privacy.
After Sidewalk Labs, a New Plan Emerges for Toronto's Waterfront
Just shy of a year after Sidewalk Labs pulled the plug on its "smart city" experiment for Quayside, Waterfront Toronto has a released a request for qualifications to move forward with a new, "people-centered" vision for the waterfront.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions