TORONTO — George Brown College and Sidewalk Labs have signed a letter of intent to work together on future projects that bring to life Sidewalk Labs’ proposal for Toronto’s eastern waterfront. Together, they will explore projects that relate to innovative community programming, including opportunities to enhance digital literacy and technology skills and opportunities to continue to strengthen the Toronto innovation ecosystem.
“We’re excited about the opportunities Sidewalk Labs can bring to Toronto, and its vision for a more innovative city,” says Anne Sado, president, George Brown College. “We look forward to collaborating in order to deliver true urban innovation to our students, partners and the great City of Toronto.”
Sidewalk Labs and George Brown College will discuss the following areas for potential collaboration:
- Public Engagement & Research
George Brown faculty and students will support ongoing research and public consultation efforts. For example, this may take the form of joint research projects, co-design workshops with the broader community or advisory support. - Guest Lecturing
Sidewalk Labs may provide guest lecturers to George Brown College and participate in work-integrated learning experiences for students in construction, engineering and architecture through George Brown’s Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies. - Building Digital Literacy Skills
George Brown and Sidewalk Labs will explore collaborations related to community spaces and programming with an initial focus on building digital literacy and entry-level tech skills programming for Torontonians. - Community Kitchen
Collaborate with George Brown College’s Chef School to explore the design of a community kitchen, which could host social gatherings, offer community programming and training. - Public Workshops
Host design workshops with the broader community; potential focus areas could include urban planning, mobility, infrastructure, tall-timber construction, health and wellness, future of work and future of living.
“George Brown plays an integral role in the city of Toronto, and we want to continue to shape its future,” says Rick Huijbregts, VP Strategy and Innovation, George Brown College. “Sidewalk Labs gives us an opportunity to collaborate on a broad range of projects intended to build community, enhance innovation and provide unique learning experiences for our students.”
