Challenge Question
How might we leverage technology in our cities' laneways to create more accessible and inclusive spaces?
Partner: MaRS Discovery District
Project Summary
With the challenges and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto, the fragility of our systems and the city itself have been exposed. Among these systems that require attention is the Toronto laneway network, which consists of more than 2500 laneways spanning over 250 linear kilometers throughout the city. These laneways are a massive and underdeveloped piece of infrastructure that we want to leverage for social, economic, and environmental benefits. Thinking critically about how to revitalize and activate this network across Toronto can create a positive impact on both people and businesses during the time of physical distancing and into the future. The goal of this project is to develop strategies to enhance and create more resilient public spaces using Toronto’s laneway network. The research team will explore ways to transform laneways into spaces accessible to citizens and business owners by leveraging technologies, redesigning the built environment/infrastructure, and utilizing natural assets. Interested students might have background knowledge in city infrastructure, urban planning, design, municipal policy, social and environmental impact, and community engagement, as well as technology and protecting citizen data. Team members will need to develop an understanding of the laneway network that spans the city of Toronto and the related challenges and opportunities that are presented by enabling these spaces.
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Partner Video
Organizational Profile
The MaRS Discovery District is a not-for-profit corporation founded in Toronto in 2000. Today, MaRS reaches beyond its initial focus as an acronym for “Medical and Related Sciences,” extending to fields such as information and communications technology, engineering, and social innovation. As North America’s largest urban innovation hub, MaRS aims to help the 1,400+ startups and innovators in our ecosystem to create a better world. MaRS brings together the innovation community, public and private sector stakeholders, investors, and citizens to build novel solutions to grow the economy and generate impact, helping to create successful global businesses from Canada's science, technology, and social innovation. As of 2014, startup companies emerging from MaRS have created more than 4,000 jobs, and between 2011 and 2014 have raised over $750 million in capital investments. Through our consultative engagements and introductions to our startups, our Partner Solutions Group helps MaRS’s corporate partners adopt—and adapt to—disruptive technologies that drive competitive advantage and create social impact.
Partner Website
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Key Words
- Laneways
- City Planning and Policy
- Accessibility
- COVID-19