Waterfront Toronto has signed and released the plan development agreement (PDA) with Sidewalk Labs, paving the way for an innovative waterfront community. The agreement defines and governs the relationship between the two organizations as they jointly create a master innovation and development plan (MIDP) focused on Toronto’s Quayside site.

“We are excited to take this next step with Sidewalk Labs to set the stage for delivering a truly transformational project on the waterfront that addresses many critical urban issues faced by our city,” said Helen Burstyn, the chair of Waterfront Toronto’s board of directors.

The PDA is the next step in planning the revitalization of Quayside. According to a statement released by Waterfront Toronto, the PDA “envisions a new kind of mixed-use, complete community by combining forward thinking urban design, new digital technology, and other innovative solutions to create a neighbourhood that sets new standards for urban living while supporting Canada’s growing cleantech, construction, and technology sectors.”

The PDA sets out the planning and funding relationship between Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk Labs, including a budget and joint oversight measures for spending up to $50-million committed by Sidewalk Labs. It outlines shared objectives and principles, and makes clear there is no transfer of ownership or sale of land as a result of the agreement.

Key elements of the agreement include:

• clear roles and responsibilities, with Waterfront Toronto as revitalization lead and Sidewalk Labs providing urban innovation and digital technology expertise;
• shared objectives, including creating a destination for people, companies, startups, and local organizations to advance solutions to challenges, such as sustainable energy use, housing affordability, and access to transportation;
• fostering economic development, job creation, and prosperity by catalyzing a world leading cluster focused on urban innovation on the waterfront; and
• establishing digital governance framework principles to ensure important issues, such as personal privacy, data sovereignty, and data security and usage, are addressed and informed by experts with a view to both protecting the public interest and encouraging innovation.