Two years ago, a plan to create a smart city project along Toronto’s waterfront was unveiled with great fanfare.
Since then, the proposal, spearheaded by Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google’s parent company) has prompted extensive public criticism and a lawsuit by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association over data privacy and misuse concerns. The ambitious project was conceived as a showcase for the latest smart city technologies.
The project is to be centered on sustainable and safe transportation systems, and efficient and affordable housing. Technology such as “adaptive traffic lights” would prioritize cyclists and pedestrians and study the possibility of autonomous transit options. Innovative building materials and new occupancy models, like “co-housing”, would offer green, reasonably-priced housing.
With sensors tracking people and vehicles sprinkled throughout the development, privacy rights advocates are concerned that the data could be used for surveillance and discourage people to exercise free speech rights. It didn’t help that at public hearings Sidewalk Labs seemed unable to spell out where this data would be stored and how it would be used.
The company also presented a greatly expanded scope of the proposal from the original 12 acres to a 190-acre area at a public meeting, perhaps misreading the intent of the agreement with the city. These issues have caused delays to the project, but Waterfront Toronto, the city group overseeing it, recently voted to go forward with the 12-acre development.
Other smart city projects around the globe, including in South Korea and India, have been also been plagued by delays and controversies. These challenges indicate that making cities smarter will not be easy.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2017
Trump’s proposed corporate tax rate changes said to stifle funding for affordable housing
Banks reluctant to commit to specific deals with tax credit status uncertain.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2017
New IoT-Ready Alliance to establish standard for IoT sensors in LED light fixtures
It aims to make installation of technology easier.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2017
OSHA increases penalties on South Dakota contractor after fatal building collapse
Agency issues over $300,000 in fines for ‘willful’ safety violations.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Potential shade on Boston Common from proposed high-rise raises public ire
The Mayor is among those who want to change 1990s anti-shadow law.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Method of estimating amount of CO2 by building occupants may be inaccurate
New research suggests current estimates may be off by as much as 25%.
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2017
National Fenestration Rating Council’s new U-factor standard open for public comment
Member-approved ballot change to NFRC 100 comments to close on May 28.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2017
Millennials’ views on sustainability could influence the workplace
Nine out of ten say it is important that they work for a company committed to sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2017
New York State extends design-build authority
The legislation includes eight additional projects.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2017
U.S. announces preliminary tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber
The rates range from 3% to 24% per producer.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2017
New York man alleged to have posed as licensed architect faces possible prison time
He is charged with defrauding construction companies, business owners, and local governments.