A Conversation about the use of Sensors and Tech in Public Space

WALK LEADERS : Joe Masoodi, Hamish Goodwin, Cyril Ferrer

We will be wearing City of Toronto lanyards.

DATE : Saturday May 4, 2024

WALK START TIME : 2:00 p.m.

WALK END TIME : 3:00 p.m.

WALK START LOCATION : Meet outside 200 King St. W., The northwest corner of King St. and University Ave, Entertainment District.

WALK END LOCATION : Same as start. Walk will end at the northwest corner of King St. and University Ave.

Throughout our city, we encounter a number of sensors that are installed and embedded in public spaces.

Sometimes we know about them, but oftentimes we pass sensors without notice.

Private and public entities, including the City of Toronto, use sensors for various purposes, such as road safety (e.g., red light cameras and pedestrian crosswalk buttons), building security (e.g., CCTV cameras) and asset management (e.g., water meters).

As the use of sensors in the public realm increases, it is important to think about technology and the public good.

Join City of Toronto staff on a walk through the Entertainment District to identify and discuss a number of sensors including tools that monitor air quality, traffic flow and safety, and building and public space security.

On this walking tour, we will talk about data collection, digital rights, privacy, the “internet of things”, digital transformation, and consent.

We encourage you to bring your questions and ideas about the use of sensors operated by the City of Toronto, and hope that you will leave the walk with a deeper understanding of the use of technology in our city.

LANGUAGE : English

THEMEs :

• Technology
• Data and Public Space

ACCESSIBILITY :

• Uneven terrain
• Busy sidewalks
• Dog-friendly walk
• Family-friendly walk
• Walk leader will use audio amplification