Doug Ford criticized the amount of land Sidewalk Labs included in its Master Innovation and Development Plan (MIDP). “They wanna take over 140 acres down there, 170 acres, and they want us to pay them,” said Ford, compared to the original 12 acres of the Quayside project. “Well, that’s just not fair to the taxpayers.” The MIDP proposed a 190-acre “IDEA District.” Ford said while he does not have the power to approve or reject the project, he was confident that Waterfront Toronto’s board of directors—which does—would “make the proper decision.” (The Logic)

Talking point: This is the first time Ford has publicly commented on the project since Sidewalk Labs delivered the MIDP in late June, but his government has repeatedly questioned both the plan and Waterfront Toronto. In February, government sources told several media outlets that Ford would not approve the project if Sidewalk Labs asked for a larger 350-acre waterfront area and share of property taxes, as outlined in leaked company plans. Then-Ontario infrastructure minister Monte McNaughton said he was “disappointed in Waterfront Toronto,” and replaced all four provincially appointed members of the agency’s board the same month after firing three in December 2018. Stephen Diamond, chair of Waterfront Toronto’s board, has also expressed concern surrounding the increased size of the development and, last week, Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk Labs amended their agreement with a provision to terminate it by October 31 if the two can’t reach a consensus over that issue and others.