Heaps Estrin's Blog

From the new smart home to autonomous cars and optimized traffic flow, artificial intelligence promises to transform Canada’s largest city.

Words by Nicolle Weeks

Toronto, the perennial darling of global livability rankings, is attracting international residents from all walks of life. But the city’s rapid growth has taken a toll on infrastructure, leaving us straining to keep up with our global counterparts.

Cue AI. As Canada’s undeniable tech hub, Toronto is ready to harness AI to reinvent itself. From managing traffic to streamlining daily routines, AI can help optimize and transform our bustling metropolis into (dare we say) the world’s most desirable and livable city.

HERE’S HOW AI IS POISED TO TRANSFORM TORONTO INTO A SMARTER, GREENER AND UNDENIABLY COOLER PLACE TO CALL HOME.

SMARTER HOMES

Virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant are now commonplace, letting us control lights and thermostats and even order groceries with our voices. We’re already seeing refrigerators that suggest recipes based on expiring ingredients and washing machines that optimize cycles.

It’s estimated that 20 per cent of households worldwide will have adopted smart home technology by next year and almost 70 per cent will be connected by 2028.

By then, we could have systems that learn and anticipate our routines to stay one step ahead. Appliance companies such as LG and Samsung are already using technology that can not only brew coffee but also turn on the news and help you make a grocery list based on what’s in your refrigerator—all before you get out of bed.

AI-powered systems could even be integrated with health-monitoring devices. Imagine a smart toilet that analyzes waste and flags potential health concerns, or a mirror that uses facial recognition technology to track your skin health and recommend personalized skin-care routines.

FINANCIAL PROSPERITY

As investments in AI technologies become more commonplace, financial prosperity in Toronto is poised for growth. AI could refine municipal budgets by identifying inefficiencies and reallocating resources, resulting in cost savings that can be reinvested in public services and infrastructure.

While AI can automate certain tasks, reducing the need for some jobs, it can also open new avenues for employment.

Sam Andrey, managing director of The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, notes, “A place where I’ve seen cities innovating is really in customer service, like AI chatbots that answer residents’ questions and reduce phone or email traffic. Burlington has recently rolled one out, and Kelowna is another example.”

By automating routine administrative tasks, AI promises to reduce the need for extensive bureaucratic processes, making government operations more efficient. This streamlining saves money and speeds up service delivery, benefiting residents and businesses.

TAMER TRAFFIC

Toronto’s traffic woes are well documented, but the days of cursing the heavens could soon be over. The city is piloting AI systems that will predict and adapt to traffic flow in real time. Cameras and sensors at intersections are gathering data on traffic volume, speed, and congestion.

This intel will eventually feed into AI algorithms that dynamically adjust traffic lights, easing bottlenecks, reducing commute times, and improving road safety.

Mayor Olivia Chow is championing the project in collaboration with Rogers, Bell, and Telus. “It’s important to explore new ways to better manage all forms of traffic so we can keep Toronto moving,” Chow has said.

OPTIMIZED PUBLIC TRANSIT

The TTC is Toronto’s lifeline, but it’s not known for its clockwork precision. By analyzing ridership patterns, AI could optimize bus routes, schedules, and frequencies in real time, making public transit more responsive and reliable.

Currently, the TTC is collaborating with Invision AI to gather and analyze data aimed at improving passenger flow through subway stations. This technology allows the TTC to test various tactics, such as platform stickers, new announcements, turnstile direction changes, and updated signage to improve the commuter experience.

STRONGER INFRASTRUCTURE

Construction seems to be a constant part of life in Toronto, and while AI tools aren’t being used yet, they could foresee and prevent problems before they escalate — think of it as preventative health care for the city. AI can analyze sensor data from bridges, roads, and other infrastructure to identify issues early, reducing repair costs and avoiding significant disruptions.

“Predictive maintenance is very commonly done in industry settings,” says Alex Olson, senior research associate at the Centre for Analytics & AI Engineering. “Companies use AI to predict when machinery will fail. If you know a machine is likely to break soon, it makes sense to fix it before it actually fails. This approach can be applied to city infrastructure, allowing for efficient maintenance scheduling and reducing unexpected disruptions.”

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE: TORONTO IN 10, 25, AND 50 YEARS

Federico Berruti, an analyst from global consulting firm McKinsey, recently told BNN Bloomberg that Toronto is poised to skyrocket as an AI hub. With some of the world’s top minds and technology, our city should benefit and evolve accordingly.

2034: The Connected City
By 2034, Toronto’s downtown core buzzes with about half a million new residents. AI integration has fundamentally transformed the city’s urban landscape. Traffic and public transportation systems are seamlessly interconnected. Predictive maintenance is a standard practice, keeping disruptions to a minimum and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure. This decade sees an increase in data-driven green spaces and affordable housing projects.

2049: The Sustainable Metropolis
By 2049, sustainability has taken center stage. Smart grids and AI-driven energy management reduce the city’s carbon footprint, while automated waste management keeps streets clean. The tech sector thrives, driven by AI-enabled resource allocation and sustainable development. Electric and autonomous vehicles are ubiquitous, contributing to a greener city.

2074: The Smart City
By 2074, Toronto stands as a beacon of smart city innovation. Autonomous public transit, advanced health monitoring, and adaptive infrastructure create a resilient urban environment. Population growth is managed through AI-driven housing solutions, ensuring affordability and inclusivity. Data-driven policies benefit everyone, and adaptive reuse of buildings shrinks the need for new developments.

TORONTO: THE GLOBAL AI HUB

Toronto is at the forefront of AI innovation, thanks in no small part to the contribution of Geoffrey Hinton, a world-renowned academic often referred to as the “Godfather of AI.” Hinton’s pioneering work in deep learning laid the groundwork for many AI advancements, cementing Toronto’s status as a global leader in the field.

• Toronto has the densest cluster of AI startups in the world.
• Our tech sector saw over $3.7 billion in funding in 2022 alone.
• The city has a growing network of more than 270 AI startups.
• U of T is a global leader in AI research, with more than 110 faculty members focused on AI.
• Companies like Samsung, Sanofi, and Nvidia have chosen Toronto for their AI research centres.

CANADA IS AN AI POWERHOUSE

• The federal government’s 2024 budget pledged $2.4 billion for AI development.
• According to a 2020 report by U of T, Canada produces the most AI patents per million people among G7 nations and China.
• Ten per cent of the world’s top AI researchers live in Canada.