Announced in late 2017, the scheme will see Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary under the Alphabet umbrella that also houses Google, drive redevelopment of 12 acres of southeastern waterfront in the rapidly growing Canadian city.
Currently an industrial site, the scheme known as Sidewalk Toronto will become a smart or “technified” community and modelling ground-breaking thinking on urban development and living. Key goals outlined in the proposal are transportation, affordable housing and sustainability.
It is understood Sidewalk Labs has already devoted $50 million to the project, and Google will move its Toronto headquarters to the neighbourhood.
The future site is proposed to have a mix of residential, office, and commercial spaces.
Buildings will take an innovative approach to construction, experimenting with new materials like plastic, prefabricated modules, and timber instead of steel.
Once the concept has been proven, plans will swing into action to expand redevelopment to the entire 800-acre waterfront area.■
