Podcasts about Waterfront Toronto

Toronto has a complicated relationship with its waterfront, which is separated from downtown by the Gardiner Expressway. But groups including Waterfront Toronto, The Beltway and Hoverlink are drawing up plans to attract more people to the shores of Lake Ontario, a stretch of 2.5 km representing billions of prime real estate. A look at current and future projects along the lakefront, and what it will take to keep residents and tourists coming back. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prevailing discourse on sustainability is often dominated by high-tech solutions—AI-driven emissions tracking, smart grids, and digital monitoring systems. While these technologies play an important role in measuring and managing environmental impact, they do not address the structural and systemic changes necessary to build a truly sustainable future. The built environment—infrastructure, material use, and urban design—fundamentally shapes environmental outcomes, yet discussions on sustainability frequently overlook low-tech, high-impact solutions in favor of complex monitoring mechanisms. That being said, the increasing reliance on data-driven climate strategies raises concerns about privacy, governance, and the broader role of digital surveillance in environmental policy. Individuals already provide more personal data to private corporations via smartphones than they do to public sustainability initiatives, yet cities continue to struggle with translating environmental data into meaningful action. This raises an essential question: should we focus less on tracking sustainability and more on embedding it into infrastructure, construction, and urban planning from the outset? This week on Beyond the Headlines, we examine the intersection of sustainability, infrastructure, and governance. How can we integrate low-tech, scalable solutions into urban design and construction to reduce environmental impact without reliance on constant monitoring? What role do transportation networks, material efficiency, and land-use planning play in driving sustainability outcomes? And how can policymakers balance data collection, climate accountability, and privacy considerations in environmental governance? To explore these critical questions, we are joined by Dr. Shoshanna Saxe, a leading expert in sustainable infrastructure and urban resilience. She is an Assistant Professor in the University of Toronto's Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering and holds the Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Infrastructure. Dr. Saxe's research investigates the relationship between infrastructure and society, identifying pathways to align urban development, transportation systems, and material use with long-term sustainability goals. Beyond academia, Dr. Saxe is actively involved in policy and sustainability governance, serving on Waterfront Toronto's Capital Peer Review Panel and the board of the International Society for Industrial Ecology. Recognized as one of Canada's emerging environmental leaders by Clean50, she was also awarded the 2019 Ontario Engineering Medal – Young Engineer. Her research and expert commentary have been widely featured in The New York Times, The BBC, The Toronto Star, The Financial Post, Spacing Magazine, and Wired. Join us as we move beyond the traditional conversation on high-tech climate solutions and critically examine the foundational role of infrastructure, design, and governance in shaping a sustainable future. Produced by: Julia Brahy

"The Master Plan" is a play about the failure to build a city of the future along Toronto's historic waterfront. This satire of the messy drama between Google's Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto is currently running at Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto's Distillery District.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet the joyful and dedicated team working with and for Waterfront Toronto and learn how they are adding resilience to the watershed and at the same time revitalizing the city's waterfront to some of its former glory. With contributers: Shelley Charles, MinoKamik Collective; Netami Stuart, senior project manager of parks, Waterfront Toronto; Melanie Sifton, MinoKamik Collective, Department of Forestry, University of Toronto; and Shannon Baker director, Parks & Public Realm, Waterfront Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg (@gregbradyTO) discussed transforming Toronto's waterfront with Waterfront Toronto's Chief of Staff Joe Cressy (@joe_cressy). Also, Today's a historic day at Queen's Park for NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa (@solmamakwa) as Sol will ask a question in his Indigenous language - For the first time in its history, the Ontario legislature will allow, interpret and transcribe a language other than English and French. Lastly, immigration lawyer Sergio Karas (@KARAS_LAW) talks about Ottawa increasing the current 1,000-person cap on a program allowing Gazans with a connection to Canada to come here on temporary visas, to 5,000 people. Sergio details the security risks involved with the increase.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg (@gregbradyTO) welcomed to the studio, Joe Cressy, Chief of Staff at Waterfront Toronto (@joe_cressy) to talk about the time to transform the Waterfront is now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg (@gregbradyTO) discussed transforming Toronto's waterfront with Waterfront Toronto's Chief of Staff Joe Cressy (@joe_cressy). Also, Today's a historic day at Queen's Park for NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa (@solmamakwa) as Sol will ask a question in his Indigenous language - For the first time in its history, the Ontario legislature will allow, interpret and transcribe a language other than English and French. Lastly, immigration lawyer Sergio Karas (@KARAS_LAW) talks about Ottawa increasing the current 1,000-person cap on a program allowing Gazans with a connection to Canada to come here on temporary visas, to 5,000 people. Sergio details the security risks involved with the increase.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg (@gregbradyTO) welcomed to the studio, Joe Cressy, Chief of Staff at Waterfront Toronto (@joe_cressy) to talk about the time to transform the Waterfront is now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hear from people both in and outside of the pro-Palestenian encampment at the University of Toronto. David Common talks to former city councillor Joe Cressy as he starts a new job at Waterfront Toronto about his vision for repairing the waterfront. And first, we hear from a woman who's run-in with an e-bike has left her with a broken knee and a quest for more regulations.

My guests on this episode are Tanya Bevington, Head of Communications for IKEA Canada, and Anthony Chelvanathan, Chief Creative Officer at Edelman Canada. They discuss the insights and unique creative partnership behind Ikea Canada's clever and brilliant "Second-Hand Tax (SHT) is Happening" campaign.The brand discovered recently that in Canada, there is a 'harmonized sales tax' (HST) added to sales receipts for resold items, meaning second-hand purchases are taxed twice. Ontario, where the most Canadian IKEA stores are located for instance, has one of the highest HST rates in the country at a whopping 13%. Recognizing that this tax structure actually discourages circular shopping, and with affordability and sustainability at the core of their brand, IKEA has launched 'Second-Hand Tax (SHT) is Happening'.  The SHT initiative introduces a counteracting –13% tax for second-hand items purchased from IKEA's "As is" section, the retailer's sell-back and buy-back category located in every store and online. Effectively eliminating the double tax on second-hand items, the SHT tax is designed to raise awareness for this issue, which unfairly places the burden of action on retailers. Nearly every tax-paying country in the world has a similar sales tax structure in place.   Sign the petition at change.org so that all Canadians can shop circular for less, for good.  About TanyaTanya Bevington: Tanya Bevington is head of Communications for IKEA Canada, a world's leading home furnishing retailer. For nearly 50 years, Canadians have welcomed IKEA into their homes and they have been strong supporters of the IKEA brand, product range and its vision "to create a better everyday life for the many people".Tanya joined IKEA in 2014 and is responsible for overseeing the national corporate communications and public affairs programs for IKEA in Canada. Tanya is also a member of the Canadian management team for IKEA.Prior to joining IKEA, Tanya spent ten years working in communications for Waterfront Toronto, the tri-government agency responsible for overseeing the renewal of Toronto's waterfront.Working in the communications field for over twenty years, Tanya is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in corporate communications, media and government relations, internal communications, strategic planning, and issues management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Master's degree in Professional Communications from the University of Western Sydney, Australia. Tanya lives in Burlington, Ontario with her husband and three children. About AnthonyAnthonyChelvanathan: Prior to taking on his current position as Chief Creative Officer at Edelman Canada, began working his way up as an Executive Creative Director at Leo Burnett Toronto, which culminated in his appointment to Senior Vice President. Along the way, Anthony has made a name for himself as one of the most prolific creatives in his industry. His work has garnered acclaim at nearly all of the world's top creative shows, including 64 Cannes Lions recognitions and 500+ international awards from institutions such as D&AD, The One Show, ADC, Communication Arts, LIA and Clios.Throughout his career Anthony has repeatedly landed at the top of Strategy magazine's creative talent lists and has even been ranked 6th in the world by The Gunn Report. He has reached incredible heights (his TSN campaign promoting the Rogers Cup was among the most-awarded billboard campaigns in the world) while ranking up tens of millions of views in the process (his follow-up video to the famous #LikeAGirl campaign alone received 90 million) and Anthony became the first judge to represent Cannes Lions in Sri Lanka and has represented Canada on numerous occasions.His passion and knack for zeroing in on unique human insights at the heart of a brand's purpose has resulted in major accolades for both his clients and agencies throughout his career, including winning an International Grand Prix for his IKEA project 'Cook This Page'. Anthony's world-class expertise in bringing big ideas to life also knows no categorical bounds, with his creative leadership directly leading to agency wins and business growth across nearly every industry and category.When he's not unleashing juggernaut creative ideas onto the world and meticulously crafting his way to the number one Art Director spot in the country, Anthony can be found in his kitchen, treating his friends to his latest spicy curry recipe. About MichaelMichael is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. He has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Secure conference with leaders from The Gap and Kroger talking about violence in retail stores, keynotes on the state & future of retail in Orlando and Halifax, and at the 2023 Canadian GroceryConnex conference, hosting the CEOs of Walmart Canada, Longo's and Save-On-Foods Canada. Michael brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael also produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in North America, Remarkable Retail, Canada's top retail industry podcast; the Voice of Retail; Canada's top food industry and the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor, with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail influencers for the fourth year in a row, Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer, and you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state of the retail industry in Canada and the U.S., and the future of retail.

We meet Globe & Mail architecture critic Alex Bozikovic in the new Love Park on Toronto's waterfront, to talk about good public space design, bad maintenance practices, and the legacy of legendary landscape architect Claude Cormier. We talk to playwright Michael Healey about "The Master Plan," a play about the doomed futuristic neighbourhood Google and Waterfront Toronto tried to build on the lakeshore. And, as a preview of our latest Spacing issue "Once Upon a Time in Toronto," we talk to author/playwright/screenwriter Catherine Hernandez about why she writes about Scarborough, and the pain of having to leave the neighbourhood that inspires you.

Welcome to episode #895 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #895. When it comes to the digital economy, the law and the media, everyone should be following Dr. Michael Geist. Now, more than ever, his voice may be the only "truth" we are seeing in the media as Canada deals with the massive fallout that is Bill C-18 (Canada's Online News Act). My primer on this ridiculous law is here: Big Tech, Big Media, Big Trouble And Big Lies. With that, the issues (and opportunity) bleed well beyond the borders of Canada and should strike fear into anyone interested in our global digital economy. For a long while, Michael has been reshaping the landscape of Internet and E-commerce Law from his academic pulpit at the University of Ottawa. With credentials that read like an academic's dream — degrees from Osgoode Hall, Cambridge, and Columbia — he's not just dissecting law... he's writing it, in real-time, for a digital age. You've likely stumbled upon his incisive columns, where he distills complex technology law issues into digestible wisdom. But wait, there's more. Michael is the maestro behind a slew of copyright books that are nothing short of revolutionary. Titles like, The Copyright Pentalogy, and, In the Public Interest, are shaking the foundations of Canadian copyright law, carving out a new roadmap for the digital era. He's not just penning books... he's also editing monthly technology law publications and running a blog that's become a go-to resource on Internet and intellectual property issues. Michael's reach isn't confined to academia or print... he's a boardroom staple too. Whether it's Ingenium, Internet Archive Canada, or the Electronic Frontier Foundation, his advisory skills are in high demand. He's even steering the digital strategy for Waterfront Toronto, leading it into uncharted technological waters. His influence is such that he was named among the 50 most impactful people on intellectual property globally and among the 25 most influential lawyers in Canada, multiple years running. Why does Michael matter? Because in a world wrestling with the ethics and laws of a digital frontier, he's the sage we didn't know we needed, but can't afford to ignore. We dig deep into the media landscape, the mis-step of the government, why Meta proactively decided to no longer allow users to post links out to news websites, and why everyone (no matter where you live) should be paying attention to what Meta, Google and others technology companies are doing. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:13:16. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Dr. Michael Geist. Michael's Blog (which is filled with Bill C-18 brilliance). Michael's Podcast: Law Bytes. Michael on Substack. The Copyright Pentalogy. In the Public Interest. Follow Michael on LinkedIn. Follow Michael on Twitter/X. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Paris Marx is joined by Josh O'Kane to discuss how Sidewalk Labs decided to build a city “from the internet up” in Toronto, the concerns that existed with the project, and why it ultimately fell apart.Josh O'Kane is an award-winning technology reporter at the Globe and Mail and the author of Sideways: The City Google Couldn't Buy. Follow Josh on Twitter at @joshokane.Tech Won't Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, support the show on Patreon, and sign up for the weekly newsletter.The podcast is produced by Eric Wickham and part of the Harbinger Media Network.Also mentioned in this episode:An excerpt of Josh's book was published in the Globe and Mail.Josh wrote about how Canada's Liberal government under Justin Trudeau isn't as friendly with tech companies as it was earlier in its time in power.Around the time of Sidewalk Toronto, opponents were able to defeat Amazon's HQ2 project in New York, Google's Berlin startup hub, Apple's planned central Stockholm store, and its planned store in Melbourne's Fed Square.Bianca Wylie was one of the prominent critics of the project, and was called the “Jane Jacobs of the smart city.”In 2019, documents leaked showing Sidewalk Labs wanted a lot more power and access to more land than was agreed upon, and that further fueled opposition.In May 2020, Wylie wrote about the cancelation of the project and the lessons that should be learned.Support the show

In this episode, thank you for your support. 16,000 followers of the Mass Timber Construction Journal is am impressive achievement, and it's all thanks to you, our Followers! The Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) TallWood project began in 2016, now they are taking on another project, find out more. Waterfront Toronto, an alliance between the governments of Canada, Ontario and Toronto, is planning to develop a 12-acre site in the centre of the city. A key player in insurance solutions for construction, Zurich North America is expanding coverage offerings to commercial projects using mass timber. RJC Engineers has played a role in a lot of great projects and firsts for Toronto, many with the use of mass timber.  Come and visit us at Stand #1002 at the International Mass Timber Conference in Portland in April 2022. Stora Enso says “our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine” and that they have stopped/are stopping sales import/export activities in Russia. Have a great week!Production by Deeelicious BeatsMusic "Game Play" by Quality QuestPodcast is a Mass Timber Construction Journal Productionwww.masstimberconstruction.comSponsors of the Podcast:RothoblaasRothoblaas is an Italian multinational with its roots in the Alpine region; a leading developer and provider of high technology solutions for all those involved in the construction with wood sector. Always engaged in finding solutions for the improvement of the sector, today Rothoblaas is one of the leading companies worldwide in the development of products and services dedicated to the wood carpentry industry, and continues to export know-how from the heart of the Italian Alps to the world. Rotho Blaas Solutions designed for building in wood that are easily accessible adapting to the needs of all. IAMTC Delivering value through an all-encompassing approach to advocacy and thought-leadership.Sponsor Wanted Here Looking for global sponsorship opportunities in the mass timber sector? Why not consider sponsoring?

Ken Greenberg of Greenberg Consultants conducted the interview with Will Fleissig. Greenberg is a favourite of ULI Toronto and a wonderful interviewer with a great presence. On stage, the two gabbed about Fleissig's move to the city and what a successful waterfront means to him during ULI Toronto's 8th Annual Fireside Chat.

In this episode, Katarzyna Sliwa sits down with Chantal Bernier, National Practice Leader Privacy and Cybersecurity, Dentons, and Kristina Verner, Vice President, Innovation, Sustainability & Prosperity, Waterfront Toronto to discuss what makes a city 'smart'. On the Sidewalk Labs Quayside project, Chantal acted as privacy counsel to Waterfront Toronto, alongside Kristina, who led the project. They provided an overview on how they worked together to design Waterfront Toronto while ensuring privacy rights are respected.

Kelly talks to the President of the Ontario Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Chief Planning and Design Officer at Waterfront Toronto and you!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March of 2017, Sidewalk Labs, a sister company of Google, was chosen by Waterfront Toronto to develop Toronto's Port Lands. Waterfront Toronto is an organization administering projects along Toronto's Waterfront; it is made up of a partnership between 3 levels of government; The City of Toronto, The Province of Ontario and the Federal Government. The deal was meant to develop the eastern waterfront property known as Quayside, which is the largest area of undeveloped waterfront property in a major North American City. On April 16th 2019 CCLA along with co-applicant Lester Brown commenced proceedings against Waterfront Toronto; seeking a reset of the Quayside Project. CCLA argued that Waterfront Toronto never had the authority to turn a Toronto neighbourhood into a data surveillance testbed nor to make policy regarding the collection, ownership, management or control of residents data. The Quayside project would permit the commoditization of personal data and let Sidewalk Labs do non-consensual mass surveillance. This is a violation of Canadian's personal and collective privacy rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedom. CCLA argued The Quayside project was in violation of 3 sections of the Charter.In this episode of Justice Vs., we speak to Dr. Brenda McPhail, CCLA's Privacy, Surveillance and Technology Program Director,  Dr. Ben Green author of The Smart Enough City: Putting Technology in its Place to Reclaim Our Urban Future and Assistant Professor in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, as well as community member and advocate Lester Brown about the case CCLA brought against Waterfront Toronto.Host: Maria RioA big thanks to the Justice Vs. Volunteer Team:Writing and Research Team: Natalie Sequeira, Kate Tutu, Jeremy Zhang, Luke Ryan, Imran Dhanani, Rachael Dyal, Rachael Bridge, Leo Ghiran, Stella Racca, Sae Furukawa. Managed by Shyloe Fagan and Kelsey MikiAudio Team: Paul Berry, Ren Bangert and Sam Séguin. Managed by Farid PestehMarketing Team: Arlet Vazquez, Irene Lee, Hope Arpa Chow and Lauren Sapic. Managed by Soaad Q. HossainSubscribe and share! Learn more about CCLA here: https://ccla.org/

Brian Crombie speaks to Louroz Mercader GM of York Eglinton BIA and former head of communication for Waterfront Toronto about dealing with Sidewalks in what happened with that proposal to redevelop the Portlands. Later on, MaryAnne McMullen Maryanne of The Next Music Generation joins to talk about how to launch a music career.

Welcome to Majority.FM's AM QUICKIE! Brought to you by justcoffee.coop TODAY'S HEADLINES: Donald Trump loses it after the person who feeds him tests positive for coronavirus. And once again, the White House has been busted censoring public health information. Meanwhile, the Justice Department drops its case against Trump’s favorite spy, Mike Flynn – even though Flynn already pleaded guilty. It’s a great week for public corruption, all around. And lastly, a civic coalition in Toronto succeeds in stopping a corporate takeover downtown. Instead of a private neighborhood for Google, now they might build public housing. THESE ARE THE STORIES YOU NEED TO KNOW: One of Donald Trump’s personal White House valets has tested positive for the coronavirus, CNN reported yesterday. This person serves in the US Navy, and their duties include serving Trump meals, and shining his shoes. When Trump found out, he didn’t offer sympathy. Instead, staff claim, he got QUOTE lava-level mad ENDQUOTE. Apparently Trump expects staff to protect his health at the same time they’re stuffing his face with cheeseburgers. He and Vice President Mike Pence are still said to be ’rona-free. But Trump told reporters he will now be getting tested daily, instead of weekly. This is the same guy who just said it’s not important for us to get tested. May he gag on a swab. Also, the Associated Press reported the White House is preventing federal experts from telling the public how to stay healthy. Trump’s lackeys suppressed a seventeen-page the Centers for Disease Control report that contained step-by-step guidance for schools, bars, churches, and so on, about reopening safely. But the White House doesn’t want people to be too safe, you see. The document said restaurants that reopen should make sure diners are seated six feet apart. That advice was removed, along with many other specifics. The CDC document was supposed to be published today. The new advice is... I don’t know, work hard and pray? Trump isn’t the only one who’s taken to blaming the help. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told members of Congress that dirty, filty workers were to blame for spreading coronavirus in meat packing plants across the country. According to Politico, Azar blamed unsanitary working-class homes -- rather than, say, factory conditions – for major workplace outbreaks in the food industry. At least two dozen meatpacking plants have closed and supermarkets are facing some shortages. Instead of improving conditions at factories, Azar suggested sending more police into workers’ communities to enforce social distancing. Does he really think putting more people in jail will slow the spread of COVID-19? Or is just the classist garbage it seems to be? These people running the country are truly twisted. DOJ Drops Flynn Case Crime does pay if your name is Mike Flynn and you are the former National Security Adviser to Donald Trump. Twice, he admitted guilt in lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But yesterday the Justice Department said it was dropping all charges against Flynn. Again, he’d already pleaded guilty. And, typically, prosecutors, including Attorney General Bill Barr, prefer to secure convictions. Instead of, you know, letting criminals free after they admit guilt. Let’s just say it very, very rarely happens that they up and drop a case like this. The new DOJ filings basically say Flynn did nothing wrong and echo Trump’s own view of the case. Prosecutors didn’t try to argue that Flynn actually told the truth, simply that he never should have been interviewed. Imagine if Flynn stole a forty-ouncer from the corner store. If every defendant got this treatment, America’s jails would be empty. Responding to the news, Trump ranted about punishing those responsible for a treasonous conspiracy. Elsewhere in justiceland, the Supreme Court, in a rare unanimous decision, overturned the convictions of two Chris Christie associates involved in the 2013 Bridge-gate scandal. One, Bridget Anne Kelly, wrote the infamous email telling saying it was QUOTE time for some traffic problems ENDQUOTE, before closing the world’s busiest bridge as political payback. The other lucky wire fraud convict, Bill Baroni, worked at the Port Authority. The Supreme Court did not say Kelly and Baroni weren’t corrupt -- only that it wasn’t the kind of corruption the court was concerned with. See? Crime does pay sometimes. The former New Jersey Governor got to brag he was vindicated. Whatever you say, man -- you’re still Chris Christie. Toronto Defeats Google Takeover Google is pulling the plug on what was supposed to be showcase for its effort to take over urban planning, city by city, around the world. The company is blaming coronavirus for its decision. But locals in Toronto are crediting two years of political pressure by a broad coalition of local interests_._ Toronto is where Google’s Trojan Horse subsidiary, Sidewalk Labs, had hoped to build a private neighborhood called Quayside on the downtown lakeshore. The project was at one point supposed to encompass over one-hundred and ninety acres. That’s well over one-hundred city blocks. This proved controversial. Especially since planners approved a more modest, twelve-acre project -- before Google came back with this crazy plan to take over the city. Some of the company’s ideas weren’t even legal. It wasn’t even critics saying that, it was Waterfront Toronto, the quasi-public agency that was Google’s partner in the deal. In addition to the expanding size of the project, many locals were concerned about digital spying. Naturally, Google’s idea of a smart city is one that’s totally covered in cameras and sensors. Others warned that Google wanted to claim an ownership interest in the work done by small businesses in the neighborhood. According to the Globe and Mail newspaper, it was activism around these kind of issues, as much as the real estate downturn, that made Google give up. Now Waterfront Toronto says it might build more public housing at the site. Wait, the real estate people want to do something helpful? And necessary? Are they feeling okay? AND NOW FOR SOME QUICKER QUICKIES: A California newspaper obtained what it says is the first known public record confirming sexual assault allegations by Tara Reade against her former employer, Joe Biden. A court declaration from 1996 found by the San Luis Obispo Tribune shows Reade told her ex-husband about the alleged assault in 1993. It doesn’t prove Biden assaulted Reade – but it does show Democrats were not smart to base their defense of Biden on a lack of records. Separately, Fox News released part of its interview with Reade. She says it’s too late for an apology and Biden should end his presidential campaign. If you live on the East Coast, or the West Coast, expect a spell of intense weather starting today. But as some forecasters are saying, it’s like the coasts will be entering different seasons. Out West, there will be record heat. Back East, record cold. On Saturday, Anchorage, Alaska, will be fifteen degrees warmer than Washington, DC. The weather folks say it’s not normal for so much arctic air to head south at this time in the spring. As you may have noticed, climate change is making extreme weather more common. Two white men in Georgia were finally charged for the murder of a young black man jogging through the suburbs. The arrests took place yesterday, more than two months after the killing but only days after a graphic video emerged. Gregory and Travis McMichael, sixty- four and thirty-four years old, chased down twenty-five-year-old Ahmaud Arbery in their truck and shot him unprovoked. Prosecutors in two counties initially declined to pursue the case. State police made yesterday’s arrests only after public outcry. Former Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he believes in extraterrestrials. Reid, now eighty, retired from the Senate in 2017. In Congress, he was responsible for funding at least two formerly secret programs to investigate UFOs. But his Vice News interview published yesterday was the first time he linked that subject to a search for alien life. He said his former colleagues in Congress should pursue the subject even if their staff try to convince them otherwise. Anything else you want to tell us, Harry? That’s all for the AM Quickie. Join us this afternoon on the Majority Report. And remember, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. HOSTS - Sam Seder & Lucie Steiner WRITER - Corey Pein PRODUCER - Dorsey Shaw EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Brendan Finn

John Lorinc's contribution to an early panel discussion of the Sidewalk Toronto Project, a collaboration of Google's Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto. Ethics in the City Jan 28, 2018 John Lorinc spacing.ca

Mariana Valverdei's contribution to an early panel discussion of the Sidewalk Toronto Project, a collaboration of Google's Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto. Ethics in the City Jan 28, 2018 Mariana Valverde University of Toronto Criminology & Sociolegal Studies

Mark Fox's contribution to an early panel discussion of the Sidewalk Toronto Project, a collaboration of Google's Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto. Ethics in the City Jan 28, 2018 Mark S. Fox University of Toronto Distinguished Professor of Urban Systems Engineering

Ruben Gaetani's contribution to an early panel discussion of the Sidewalk Toronto Project, a collaboration of Google's Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto. Ethics in the City Jan 28, 2018 Ruben Gaetani University of Toronto Management

In this podcast I speak with Jeff Ranson, the Regional Director of the Canadian Green Building Council (for the Greater Toronto Area).  For as long as I have known Jeff (going on ten years now) he has been passionate about exploring and developing transformative policies that improve the environment, people’s living conditions, and sustainable, economic prosperity.    After receiving an Honours BA in Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at Western University in 2002, Jeff has held a number of positions including: Program Manager of the Clean Air Foundation; a Senior Associate in Sustainability at The Innovolve Group Inc.;  Manager of Education & Outreach for Sustainable Buildings Canada in Toronto, (which is when I first met Jeff); the Executive Directorship of the Toronto 2030 District; Design Review Panel Member at Waterfront Toronto; and now the Regional Director for Greater Toronto Area of the Canadian Green Building Council. In our wide ranging conversation, we talk about the opportunities and challenges for policy to drive large scale change; about whether climate change trumps all other urban concerns; about how to design for effective urban density; about his guarded optimism that we still have a fighting shot at meeting the challenges of climate change;  and what advice he would have for someone setting out to make a difference. You can read more about this podcast in the Show Notes.  Please Support this Podcast: The Twenty First Century Imperative podcast is ad-free and relies entirely on user support. If you find it valuable please consider supporting us by becoming a patron at our TFCI Patreon Page.

Vance Lockton, Manager for Digital Governance (and a privacy professional in the thick of it) at Waterfront Toronto, shares valuable perspective on the challenges of creating truly 'smart' cities and the importance of preventing privacy harm at the outset. For him, it's about knowing the objective before deciding on the means to get there. He additionally reflects on Sidewalk Labs and the 'template' nature (and newness) of a project of this type. For those interested in the intersection between public policy and digital policy, this is the episode for you!

This week we're joined by Grayline Group's Joseph Kopser. We talk about transportation data, Minneapolis 2040, drones, freight, and more!   News Uber and LADOT trade blows - C|NET NASA wants a major city to have drones by 2028 - C|NET Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto move forward - Globe and Mail Odds and Ends Real estate commissions - Seattle Times Tulsa attracts remote workers - Next City Story of the Week The first map of America's food supply chain - Fast Company How Minneapolis passed 2040 plan and defeated NIMBYism - The Atlantic 1.5M packages in New York each day - New York Times Puppies and Butterflies Human's home towns - Inverse

Kelly speaks with Waterfront Toronto spokesperson Andrew Tumilty.

Thorben Wieditz,Block Sidewalk Labs spokesperson talks about Waterfront Toronto board votes on Sidewalk Labs' development plan for Quayside

GUEST: Ann Cavoukian, Former Ontario Privacy Commissioner, Consultant for the Waterfront Toronto Board

In this session, originally recorded on September 18, 2018, we look at the power of local solutions for stronger communities with Karen Pitre. For the full transcript, visit https://maytree.com/five-good-ideas/five-good-ideas-about-the-power-of-local-solutions-for-stronger-communities/. The most successful solutions for building stronger communities have local support and are driven by local champions. Nonprofits, school boards, libraries, municipalities, community health centres, and many others understand that. They see the value in the local, and they’re not afraid of the challenges in developing local solutions with multiple partners. In her presentation, Karen Pitre offers five good ideas on how we can support local champions and break down the silos that get in the way of local initiatives. Five Good Ideas 1. Bigger is not always better 2. Don’t give up – where there is will there is a way 3. Money is not the only answer; little things can make a big difference 4. You may have to give something up to make it work 5. It is important to listen, but it is also important to hear Resources 1 Interested in building local capacity for informed community planning in Ontario? Join the resource network CommuntyHubsOntario to connect and engage with people in communities across Ontario. 2. Community hubs in Ontario: A strategic framework and action plan: This report summarizes what the Premier’s Community Hubs Framework Advisory Group heard when they met with community members, stakeholders, and other government ministries to learn how the government can deliver public services through local, community hubs. 3. Community Hubs and Partnerships, Queensland, Australia. Find out how Queensland has gone about transforming communities through cross-sector partnerships. 4. What is a community court? This report looks at how courts can play a role in solving complex neighbourhood problems and building stronger communities. An interesting example of the power of local solutions from the United States. 5. Greg Berman and Julian Adler: Start Here: A Roadmap to Reducing Mass Incarceration. This book offers a bold agenda for criminal justice reform in the United States based on equal parts pragmatism and idealism, from the visionary director of the Center for Court Innovation, a leader of the reform movement. About Karen Pitre Karen is the President of the Lonsdale Group, a strategic planning and project management firm that focuses on community infrastructure projects. Karen was the Special Advisor to the Premier on Community Hubs from 2015-2018. She has extensive experience in stakeholder consultation, strategic planning, and project management. Karen has also worked with all three levels of government, including as part of her work with the Toronto Olympic Bid in 2008 and with Waterfront Toronto.

Bianca Wylie joins the podcast to discuss the Quayside smart city project — also called Sidewalk Toronto — being spearheaded by Waterfront Toronto and Alphabet's Sidewalk Labs. Wylie, who is opposed to the project and is part of the #BlockSidewalk campaign, talks about what she considers to be flaws in the process and Toronto's readiness for such an initiative. Wylie, who has a background in technology and public engagement, also talks about where Toronto can go from here and what other jurisdictions are doing. Email sduggal@torstar.ca with any questions, concerns or praise. Music: "Private Eye" by Kevin McLeod From the Free Music Archive CC BY

Join host Elizabeth Boyd on this week's episode of the Scope News:In October 2017, Sidewalk Labs, a sister company to Google, signed a deal with organization Waterfront Toronto to develop a "smart city" technological hub in the key-side area.In the past year the project has gained some controversy over its private dealings which aren't seen by the public eye. CJRU reporter Chelsey Gould gathered the views of some the critics at a panel held last Thursday by the Centre for Free Expression.And...News reporter Name Weingarten has a recap of the Ryerson Student Union scandal that has shaken the student body, and caused a mixed bag of feelings about the institution as a whole.This show originally aired on CJRU 1280AM in Toronto on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 at 5:30PM.Social MediaTwitter: twitter.com/CJRU1280Instagram: www.instagram.com/cjru1280/?hl=enCJRU Support Statement: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…RXAVG8xw/viewformUpdates on Student Union Scandal: theeyeopener.comRyerson events:: Ryerson.ca/eventsFor inquires, tips and volunteer information contact:News@CJRU.ca

Join host Elizabeth Boyd on this week's episode of the Scope News: In October 2017, Sidewalk Labs, a sister company to Google, signed a deal with organization Waterfront Toronto to develop a "smart city" technological hub in the key-side area. In the past year the project has gained some controversy over its private dealings which aren't seen by the public eye. CJRU reporter Chelsey Gould gathered the views of some the critics at a panel held last Thursday by the Centre for Free Expression.And...News reporter Name Weingarten has a recap of the Ryerson Student Union scandal that has shaken the student body, and caused a mixed bag of feelings about the institution as a whole. This show originally aired on CJRU 1280AM in Toronto on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 at 5:30PM.Social MediaTwitter: twitter.com/CJRU1280Instagram: www.instagram.com/cjru1280/?hl=enCJRU Support Statement: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…RXAVG8xw/viewformUpdates on Student Union Scandal: theeyeopener.comRyerson events: Ryerson.ca/eventsFor inquires, tips and volunteer information contact:News@CJRU.ca

Sidewalk Labs is owned by Alphabet Inc., a sister company of Google. Their goal is to improve urban infrastructure through technological innovation, to promote affordable living, efficient transportation, and environmental sustainability. That being said, Sidewalk Labs’ Quayside Project at Waterfront Toronto, first announced in 2017, has been subject to a great deal of criticism regardingContinue reading "Data Privacy in Smart Cities: An Inside Look at Sidewalk Labs’ Quayside Project"

Dr. Ann Cavoukian is recognized as one of the world's leading privacy experts. She is currently the Distinguished Expert-in-Residence, leading the Privacy by Design Centre of Excellence at Ryerson University. Her Privacy by Design framework is now the International Standard and has been translated into 39 languages.   Listen to Episode 1: Privacy, the foundation of your freedom featuring Dr. Ann Cavoukian and Episode 28: Insiders Guide to GDPR & turning it into a competitive advantage with Dr. Ann Cavoukian   Episode Overview:   The elephant in the room about her resignation from the smart city Toronto project and how the world reacted. Ann also talked about the places where our identity is taken that we didn't even know She also talked about all the different things that are coming into play and other new things that we could look forward to this 2019 Ann shared some tools that we should be using and the questions that we should be asking when it comes to our privacy.   Positive expectation for privacy in 2019:   In 2018 the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation came into effect and it is  raising the bar into privacy and data protection all around the world. It returns control back to the data subjects so that individuals should be in control of their information. It also strengthen privacy dramatically and for the first time, it includes Dr. Ann’s Privacy by Design Framework.   Countries all around the world want to be in compliance to this new EU law because they want to engage in trade.   There had been a dramatic growth in surveillance in the past year, tracking on all of our activities which is outrageous. The good news is that there had been a real reaction against it in the part of the consumers. In fact, 90% of consumers are concerned with their privacy and 92% are concerned about the lack of control for personal information.   The story on why Ann resigned from her role on Sidewalk Lab:   “The absolute no break in this deal is we have to de-identify data at source.”   The minute data is collected from the censored and all the emerging technology that are going to be in place in the envision smart city 24/7, there will be able to obtain consent from people because technology is always on. The minute the sensors collect some data, right there at source it should be de-identified. In that way, they will still have a lot of data but it will not be linked to any identifiable individuals so that the privacy harms will be removed.   Sidewalk Labs wanted the Privacy By Design embedded into the smart city that is why they hired Ann but there are a number of parties were not happy being the Sidewalk Labs being the only body to govern the use of the data that they have collected even though that it was going to be de-identified.   In response to that, Sidewalk Labs created the Civic Data Trust. The intention of the Civic Data Trust is for Sidewalk Labs to be able to govern the body of the data. There are a number of bodies which will be involved in delivering the data such as IT companies, Waterfront Toronto and different levels of government.   In that way, multiple parties will have a say in the data but then Sidewalk Labs will be able to control what they do with the data collected and encourage them to de-identify the data at source however they can’t insist that they do that.   And the minute Dr. Ann Cavoukian heard that, she knew she had to walk away. The reason of this is because the minute that they impose it as a must, it is not going to happen because there are thousands of identifiable data and everybody will just be asking for the same access to the data.   The Issue on Statistics Canada:   “Privacy forms a foundation of our freedom” - Ann Cavoukian   Statistics Canada went to all major bank to collect all of our very sensitive financial information which includes: Credit History Bank Statements Payments Bills And more   The banks refused to give these data to Stats Canada and also said that they will de-identify the data and will give data that was requested but will also make sure that all personal identifiers are stripped. However, Stats Canada said NO.   The reason that Stats Canada doesn’t want this kind of data is because they wanted an identified datas so that they can match it with the other information or data that they have.   Things that are going on that we may not know about:   The Growth in Facial Recognition There are facial recognition anywhere we go and the problem is, we don’t know that it is taking place. One of the biggest issue on this case is identity theft. The Issues on DNA Tests Our DNA is our most sensitive personal information. This also includes your parents, children and families information.   What Questions Should We Ask To Make Sure That We are Protected:   The minute you raise your concerns about your privacy to the seller you will get a good response because they are getting more people who are asking for their privacy in terms of transaction online and offline. Just ask the question and let them know that you don’t want your personal information to be used in any purpose other than completing the purpose of that transaction. When using search engines, use Duckduckgo.com because in any searching you do, they will not share in any third party. Ann is also working on a Smart Data Agent which is a software agent that will go out and act on your behalf. All the data that is being make in terms of your request using the smart data agent is encrypted, the search that it engages in is totally secured and it doesn’t stay in the cloud. For the first time ever, Canada’s privacy laws for The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is no longer equivalent to the new law in the EU, the GDPR which is also a real blow because we enjoy a same equivalent of privacy laws. Dr. Ann Cavoukian’s Privacy by Design is also included.

Since 2002, Waterfront Toronto has lead the ongoing revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront. But what do we know of Toronto’s lesser-known Waterfront Secretariat, which was set up to lead and direct the City’s participation in the revitalization? In October 2018, Jeremy sat down with David Stonehouse, Director of the Waterfront Secretariat, to find out more and to get the latest on some of the important development activities in the area.

Google's sister company, Sidewalk Labs, has partnered with every level of government to build the first-ever 'smart city' in Toronto — but with several high-profile resignations and mounting privacy concerns, will this project ever break ground? Reporter Amanda Roth (The Logic) has spent the last eight months investigating Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto's 'smart city' plan, and has broken story after story on the tech giant's project. David Skok is the editor-in-chief of The Logic, a new media start-up reporting on the innovation economy. He speaks with Amanda about the timeline of her reporting, how to responsibly cover big tech, and why people should be concerned by more than just potential privacy issues when it comes to this partnership.  — This episode is brought to you by Second City, Audible, and FreshBooks. Support CANADALAND: http://canadalandshow.com/join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Integrating real world facilitation with online engagement Rebecca Sutherns, CEO of Sage Solutions, co-hosts this week's podcast.  Rebecca shares her insights into the value of facilitated conversations with stakeholder groups and the challenge of facilitation in an era in which people are more focused on the screens of their mobile devices than to the people who may be sitting only feet away. She talks about integrating the richness and value of in-person experiences with online experiences that will reach larger numbers of people. This presents not only the challenge of asking questions to obtain useful responses across media, but also the challenge of interpreting data sets that will vary in both number and richness of data. Let's Talk IAP2 Last September at the IAP2 North American conference in Denver, IAP2 kicked off an examination of its organization and business model. This has been underway at an elite level, driven by a "Change Committee" drawn from North America, Australasia, Indonesia, Southern Africa and Latin America. This week, IAP2 sent an email to members like us inviting us to provide our input on a set of strategic directions that were established by the Change Committee. The intent is to gather member input via the Let's Talk IAP2 website for the next few weeks and then for a consensus decision from national and regional affiliate boards at IAP2 in Victoria. Both Rebecca and I are looking forward to providing our input. However, for me, the fact that IAP2 is consulting members so late in the process, and only consulting members, as opposed to the groups that it is "involving", such as trainers, or empowering (both of those terms are defined in the IAP2 spectrum) elevates my puzzlement at the top-focused nature of IAP2. It is the only membership-based organization that I have participated in that treats members as peripheral to decision-making. That's ironic, when you think about the mission and mandate embodied in the organization's name - the International Association for Public Participation. IAP2 is important to me -- I hope they get it right. Let's Talk IAP2 launched August 8 and runs to August 27. Find out more information at Let's Talk IAP2. Sidewalk goes off the rails? Sidewalk Labs is planning to build a model smart community in Toronto. But their approach to community relations and public participation has undermined trust and raised opposition in the community. Linkworthy Check out these sources that provide context for this week's discussion. International Association for Public Participation Let's Talk IAP2 Sidewalk Toronto scrambles to prepare for public meeting, as criticism mounts, James McLeod Google affiliate's grand ambition runs into Waterfront Toronto's reality, Jennifer Wells Rebecca Sutherns on Twitter Sage Solutions It’s your turn Inside P2 is produced by Joseph Thornley. I’d love to know what you think about the topics in this podcast, topics you’d like me to cover in future podcasts and people you’d like to hear from. Leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post Join the Inside P2 Facebook Group Tweet to @InsideP2Podcast Email InsideP2Podcast@Gmail.com Subscribe Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Subscribe in Google Play Music Subscribe in Spotify Reviews help others to find this podcast. If you like this podcast, please review Inside P2 on Apple Podcasts. Inside P2 009: Nothing About Us Without Us is For Us by Joseph Thornley is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: William Charnetski, Chief Health Innovation Strategist for Ontario William Charnetski has been appointed the Chief Health Innovation Strategist for Ontario. Mr. Charnetski is an accomplished national and global executive who has worked in the highest levels of business, law and government. He has a track record of leading transformational change, developing organizations, leading people to realize their potential, fostering internal and external partnerships and collaboration, and delivering results. He has spent more than 10 years working on integrated health solutions in Canada and around the world in the rapidly changing global pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Charnetski most recently worked in the United Kingdom with AstraZeneca, one of the world's largest innovative pharmaceutical companies. He led the global government affairs and public policy function and had responsibilities for corporate social responsibility and regional communications. His team delivered tangible business results while enhancing health outcomes in many places around the world. Prior to that, he was VP, Integrated Health Solutions, and General Counsel for AstraZeneca Canada. He was also a leader of the industry's work with the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, and other Ontario ministries to help bring an integrated approach to adopting value adding innovative pharmaceutical technologies to Ontario. His work across the Canadian health care system has included building collaborative approaches to adopting innovative value adding technologies across a variety of fields of study. In particular, he was an original member of the Advisory Council of the Ivey International Centre for Health Innovation at Western University and the Steering Committee of the Centre for the Advancement of Health Innovation, within the Conference Board of Canada, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Health Economics in Edmonton. Previously a partner in the Toronto office of the law firm Torys LLP, Mr. Charnetski's practice included mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, securities law and public private partnerships. He formed and was Head of the Privacy Law Group. Mr. Charnetski served as the first Chief of Staff to The Hon. William Graham, P.C., Q.C. when Mr. Graham was Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He also was Senior Advisor to The Hon. Allan Rock, PC., Q.C. when Mr. Rock was Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. He has worked on a wide range of justice public policy issues, including those related to health care, human rights, constitutional law and criminal law. Mr. Charnetski is also a member of the Board of The Sandbox Project in Toronto, and served as a provincial nominee to the Board of Waterfront Toronto for seven years. Speaker: William Charnetski, Chief Health Innovation Strategist for Ontario *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*

This week on The Voice, our host Tina Barton sits down with Mark Campbell, founding partner and CEO of VMG Cinematic, a Toronto-based digital agency that specializes in online video production and social media marketing. VMG Cinematic works with brands such as TD Bank, FedEx and Warner Bros., and organizations including Metrolinx, Waterfront Toronto and Real Estate Council of Ontario. In this episode, Mark defines “social video” and provides some revealing statistics that highlight the importance of including video in your content strategy. He shares examples of effective content types, and offers tips for managing “go-viral” expectations. Best of all, he shares ways you can reduce your video production costs! The episode concludes with Mark sharing his predictions for how video will continue to evolve. And remember, if you're not creating video content for your brand, somebody else probably is… Mark will be speaking about social video at MARCOM. (June 10 – 12 at the Ottawa Convention Centre. Register online). Join the conversation! Connect with guest @Mark_VMG and host @TinaMBarton.

The Empire Club of Canada Presents: John Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Waterfront Toronto With Our Waterfront - Progress Report John Campbell, Waterfront Toronto's President and CEO, provides a progress report on the revitalization of Toronto's waterfront and learn how waterfront renewal is building an enduring legacy of economic returns and social benefits for the city, province and country. Bio: John Campbell is President and Chief Executive Officer of Waterfront Toronto, formerly known as the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. The Corporation is responsible for leading the estimated $30 to $35 billion renewal of Toronto's waterfront. Before joining Waterfront Toronto in April 2003, John was a senior executive at Brookfield Properties. He headed up the Canadian property management subsidiary and prior to that played a leadership role in the development of the company's most prestigious property, Brookfield Place. He has an MBA from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Carleton University and has his Institute of Corporate Directors, designation, ICD.D. Speaker: John Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Waterfront Toronto *The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.* *Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*