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Google with two hands on Corona... Abandoning Toronto's'Smart City' plan

 

Chosun Ilbo & Chosun.com / 2020.05.08.

 

Photo Source: Safe & Smart City
 
  As the coronavirus prolonged, the smart city project that Google was undertaking was stranded. On the 7th, foreign media such as the New York Times and CNN reported at once that Google's alphabet subsidiary'SideWork Lab' abandoned the smart city construction plan in Toronto, Canada.

  The reason that Google abandoned its smart city project over the past two and a half years was due to the real economic downturn caused by the coronavirus and the global economic uncertainty. About 60 advanced technologies were planned to be applied to the smart city to be created. Numerous sensors are installed throughout the city to reduce temperature, noise, and waste.It is a system that collects vast amounts of data from emission and analyzes it with advanced technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence. However, as the project was halted due to corona, these plans were abandoned.

[Sidework Lab CEO's Message] 
Why We Abandon Quaside Project
Why we're no longer pursuing the Quayside project

SIDE WALK TALK / 2020.05.07.

Daniel L. Doctoroff (CEO of Sidewalklabs)
  In October 2017,'Side Work Lab' and'Waterfront Toronto' shared Quaside's vision of creating a more sustainable community through innovation in technology and urban design and planned a project. Since the start of the project, I've met thousands of Torontonians, and I'm excited about the idea that we can make a better life for everyone.
  That's why I am personally sad to say that Sidework Lab is giving up on the Quaside project.
  For the past two and a half years, we've been passionate about making Quasides a reality. We opened an office with 2 people on the waterfront and invested time, manpower and resources in Toronto. But globally and in Toronto's real estate market as well as unprecedented economic uncertainty, the values ​​that were initially shared without sacrificing a key part of the project. Realizing a 12-acre (approximately 4.8 ha) large project is a difficult financial situation. Eventually, after much discussion, we came to the conclusion that it was no longer reasonable to continue on the Quaside project, and we conveyed our intention to Waterfront Toronto yesterday. 
  We are no longer working on the project, but the health emergency (Corona 19) facing us right now makes us realize how important it is to reorganize cities for the future. I think the ideas we've developed over the last two and a half years will be able to contribute to solving the big city problem in terms of economics and sustainability. Sidework Lab will work harder for this important social contribution. 
  In this context, we started innovative companies dealing with urban mobility, next-generation infrastructure, and community-based healthcare services, and invested in startups working in everything from robotics to digital electricity. Internally, large-scale wood reconstruction of factory production that guarantees sustainability and reasonable prices, digital master planning tools and telephone lines that can improve the economics and quality of life of the project (Full electricity) We are continuing to study new approaches in our neighborhood. 
  The Quaside Project was very important to us. So this decision was very difficult for us too. Thank you for the support of the numerous Torontonians and community groups, civic representatives, and local residents who have contributed to the project. Sidework Labs fascinated Toronto with the diversity, growth and opportunities that the city has, and Toronto's charm can be seen in every path we have walked. Regardless of this decision, Toronto is the world's greatest innovation hub.
  We sincerely thank you for all the efforts of Waterfront Toronto. They worked tirelessly with the Quasite Project to work with us on the best way for the city. In addition, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all government officials who have participated in the project that has always sought to provide good ideas while pursuing the public interest.
  Lastly, I would like to express my indescribable gratitude to all of our sidework lab teams who have made great efforts to realize our vision for Quaside.