Google building ‘smart city’ with self-driving shuttles, heated pavements and underground tubes

A rundown and disused suburb is being transformed into a ‘smart city’ with the help of Google, but not everyone is pleased.

Google has been given the green light to create a smart city in a disused area of Toronto, Canada.

However, the controversial futuristic site will have to be on a much smaller scale than what was requested.

The project is actually the brainchild of Google-affiliate urban innovation company Sidewalk Labs.

The company will be forced to settle for a smaller site if they do get the go ahead.

It initially wanted to develop a 190-acre site but has been given permission for just 12 acres by Waterfront Toronto, the group which oversees the development area.

The project has proved controversial for a number of reasons including the fact Sidewalk wanted to put data collecting sensors around the city that it would oversee.

This data collecting proposal was rejected.

Other wacky features include heated roads and an underground delivery system.

A final formal evaluation of the project and public consultation is now set for March 2020, after which building could commence.

Sidewalk Labs said: “We are encouraged by today’s decision by the Waterfront Toronto board and are pleased to have reached alignment on critical issues with Waterfront Toronto.

“We are working to demonstrate an inclusive neighbourhood here in Toronto, where we can shorten commute times, make housing more affordable, create new jobs, and set a new standard for a healthier planet.”

Plans for data collecting sensors around the smart city had to be nixed.

Stephen Diamond, who chairs the Waterfront Toronto group, said in an open letter: “Let me be clear, this is not a done deal. There is still much work to do before a final decision.

“While a final board decision whether or not to proceed has yet to be made, we are pleased that we are now able to move to the evaluation stage on a project that has the potential to create new jobs and economic development opportunities, create a carbon-neutral neighbourhood and more affordable housing units.”

Sidewalk Labs initially won a contract to develop the area in Toronto back in 2017.

It said it would provide a mix of offices, retail spaces, homes and hi-tech solutions for urban problems like traffic and waste.

Not everyone thinks the smart city is a great idea for the area.

Some of the proposals were criticised by Waterfront Toronto for being “tech for tech’s sake”.

Citizen opposition group Block Sidewalk wants the project to be cancelled entirely.

It disapproves of a technology company being involved in city governance and wants citizens to be consulted more.

Sidewalk Labs submitted a 1,524-page proposal for its hi-tech urban utopia dream.

It predicted it would create 44,000 direct jobs and house 5,000 people within three to four years.

It also said the district would cut greenhouse gases by 89% through innovative methods.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.