Despite months of negative headlines about an apparent wave of public opposition against Toronto?s Sidewalk Labs-Waterfront Toronto partnership, a new Environics Research survey commissioned by the Toronto Region Board of Trade suggests a ?Techlash? may not be a thing, at least in Toronto.
The survey revealed nearly two-thirds believe Toronto?s tech sector growth is a good trend, with only 3% believing it to be negative. The Environics survey also showed few held strong opinions in support or opposition to the Sidewalk Labs project. 55% supported the Quayside project, while just 11% opposed it in reply to a direct question on the issue. Meanwhile, a strong majority (76%) believe the partnership between Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk Labs should proceed if the public interest can be safeguarded as the process unfolds. ?The Board of Trade is glad that Sidewalk Labs is here, and glad the company has a shot at bringing innovative development ideas to Quayside alongside our growing smart cities sector in Toronto,? said Jan De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade. ?But our support isn?t unconditional. There?s a process for Sidewalk Labs to confirm approval for their ideas with Waterfront Toronto and no less than three different levels of government. Public policy issues like data governance must be resolved as that process unfolds.
Taking a cue from privacy critics, the Board issued its BiblioTech report in early January, calling on policymakers to clearly a...