Waterfront Toronto Statement on Recent Media Reports Regarding the Quayside Project

In 2017, following a competitive RFP process, Sidewalk Labs was selected by Waterfront Toronto to develop a plan for Quayside as a testbed for the broader revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront.

Our goal for the project was to improve urban living and explore solutions for growing urban challenges such as housing affordability, environmental sustainability, economic development and prosperity, and integrated transit solutions.

While preliminary plan concepts from Sidewalk Labs have been shared with us, we have not received a full proposal that includes an underlying business plan. However, we expect to receive a full proposal, called the Master Innovation and Development Plan (MIDP), in the coming weeks.

Waterfront Toronto has developed rigorous internal process to evaluate the MIDP to ensure that it meets important objectives including job creation, climate positive, affordable housing and urban innovation. This evaluation will use subject matter experts and a due diligence panel that will evaluate if proposals in the MIDP represent sound solutions for the urban challenges and represent good value for the people of Toronto.

Beyond the evaluation, Waterfront Toronto will seek public input on the MIDP through consultations. In addition, the MIDP proposals will be subject to federal and provincial regulations and municipal planning permissions.

If the MIDP from Sidewalk Labs does not deliver on the priorities that we have set out for Quayside, in a manner that is in the public interest, then the proposed plan will not be implemented.

For 20 years we have worked closely with the public and our government partners and set a high standard for waterfront revitalization and city-building. Waterfront Toronto must maintain the public's confidence to meet the highest standards of transparency, openness, and fairness in our work to further revitalize Toronto's waterfront. We will continue to work diligently to achieve this standard for Quayside.

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For media inquires:

Andrew Tumilty
Waterfront Toronto