How 'smart' are smart cities?: The case of Sidewalk Labs, Toronto

Abstract

This article looks at the debate surrounding the smart city concept in theory and practice using the proposed Smart Labs development in Quayside, Toronto as a case study. My approach has been to familiarize myself with the details of the case and the controversy surrounding it through a literature review and through consulting individuals who were involved, as well through looking at the broader literature on smart cities. As a planning educator, I observe a tendency on the part of students to consider new technology in an uncritical fashion, and the goal here is to promote critical thinking not to dismiss smart cities outright.