The long-awaited master plan for Quayside in Toronto was released to the public today.
"Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto are set Monday to publicly release Sidewalk’s proposed master plan, a massive blueprint detailing precisely how the firm intends to create a tech-driven neighbourhood on Toronto’s waterfront," reports Donovan Vincent.
"Manhattan-based Sidewalk Labs, an urban innovation firm that is a sister company of Google, wants to turn [a 12-acre parcel of land called Quayside] into a 'test bed' or 'beta site' that would feature a mixed-use development consisting primarily of thousands of new residential units, as well as retail and office spaces," explains Vincent for background on the project, and its lofty ambitions.
The "Master Innovation and Development Plan" is separated into three volumes: 1) The Plans, 2) The Urban Onnovations, and 3) The Partnership. Chapters in Volume 2 read 1) Mobility, 2) Public Realm, 3) Buildings and Housing, 4) Sustainability, and 5) Digital Innovation. Individual chapters are split into separate, large downloads.
The master plan, available on the Waterfront Toronto website, spent 18 months in development, but now the process shifts to what is expected to be a lengthy period of public engagement and official review by city staff. As noted by Vincent, the project has already proven "enormously controversial."
FULL STORY: Sidewalk Labs master plan for Quayside set to be made public today
Waterfront Toronto Greenlights Most of Sidewalk Labs' Quayside Master Plan
An evaluation committee made up of Waterfront Toronto staff has given a green light for the Sidewalk Labs master plan for Toronto to proceed to the next stages of planning.
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.
Decision on Sidewalk Labs' Plan for Toronto Waterfront Delayed
The spread of the coronavirus has delayed one of the most closely watched planning projects in North America.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)