Insights
Letter from the editor: One entrepreneur’s magic trick
Regulators should allow dockless bikes and scooters in Canadian cities, subscribers say
Letter from the editor: News and notes
Briefing
Google’s Sidewalk Labs plans massive expansion to waterfront vision
Sidewalk Labs wants entitlement to a portion of developer charges and property taxes on 350 acres of land near the Toronto waterfront, according to a presentation obtained by the Toronto Star. The article reveals Sidewalk’s plans to finance an LRT expansion in the area. Sidewalk Labs posted an updated presentation in a Medium post from CEO Dan Doctoroff minutes after the Star story broke. All three levels of government and Waterfront Toronto told the National Observer that they had not seen the details highlighted in the presentation. (Toronto Star, National Observer)
Ottawa to give $40 million to BlackBerry for connected car technology in Kanata, Ont.
The award from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is part of a $310.5-million effort to improve the company’s QNX driver-assistance software, and to build automated vehicle concept cars. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the project will create 800 new jobs. (Globe and Mail)
Amazon invests in startup building electric pickup trucks and SUVs
Rivian raised a US$700-million round, and said that it will remain an independent company. Amazon led the round at an undisclosed sum. (VentureBeat)