Toronto Uncovered

Photo taken by Rachel Sklar

I attended the Mesh Conference this past week at the MaRS Centre. The web-inspired conference offered  insights on  social networking, community building, monetizing online, and the ongoing growth of new media and citizen journalism. The morning sessions were filled with great keynote speakers, including an hour long discussion with Mayor David Miller.  I’ve never really been the biggest Miller fan. Until recently, I struggled to see the positive impact he claimed to have on our city. I know that I saw more homeless people on our streets, heard of more violence and murders in our neighbourhoods, and felt the sting of higher taxes in my bank account. I honestly believed for a long time that the only mark he would successfully leave on Toronto would be increasing the number of fancy, count-down traffic lights. I guess you could call me a bit of a cynic. I felt he was too ‘grass roots’ for a city the size of Toronto, and wanted to know what else he had planned, where our tax dollars were being spent, and what his vision held for our city.

Last year, David Miller joined Twitter.  Unlike many of our other politicians/political parties who sign up, tweet a few times, and then pass the responsibility off to one of their minions, or let the account die altogether (ahem, Stephen Harper), Miller actually made, and continues to make, a real effort to connect with Torontonians. During his keynote address he continually checked his Blackberry for incoming tweets, and responded to the direct questions and concerns of his followers.  It is hard to question his sincere engagement and effort to communicate both politically and personally with anyone who is listening.

Miller made a number of exciting announcements of things to come for our city – things I think we have all been anxiously awaiting. His first announcement was the incoming of real time GPS networks for all TTC vehicles. FINALLY!  TTC riders will be able to check their computers or smart phones and find out exactly how far away a streetcar, bus, or subway is from their stop.  There will also be Google Transit maps to help you map out TTC routes and availability in real time. He also announced a 3-1-1 call centre which will serve as a 24/7 question and answer service. Each problem will be tracked and recorded to ensure it is followed through to resolution. Data from these inquiries will be  tracked and mapped to give a better understanding of ongoing problems and needs city-wide. Miller was even brave enough to bring up the waterfront and Queens Quay debacle, promising one continuous and connected waterfront  – I’m still a little sceptical of this promise. Id like to believe, I really would, but will reserve excitement until visible action has been taken. All of these new, online services will be available at the new site www.toronto.com/open, coming soon to an ISP near you.

Following his presentation, Miller took a number of questions from the audience, and interviewer Jesse Brown. He was asked how Toronto planned to replace money lost by the flailing manufacturing sector. He was asked why he hadn’t made more of an effort to promote Toronto Tech Week, and what he planned to do to promote the growth of information and technology in Toronto.  He answered. He answered honestly, admitting that he dropped the ball during Tech Week, and has been working to make up for it ever since. He answered that he absolutely believes Toronto should emerge as the technology hub of Canada, and needs to focus on attracting more venture capital and opportunities for start ups.  He closed by proposing a challenge to the audience and tech community. He asked for leaders to emerge and collaborate.  To develop a coherent plan which would see Toronto emerge as Canada’s tech champion. “Don’t wait for the city to unveil a plan to you” he said, “Get involved and be part of developing that plan.”  Miller promised to return for Mesh 2010 and share the progress made on this initiative.

Miller seems to have embraced collective action and transparency. His vision for Toronto’s future is bright and includes collaboration and input from all of its citizens. I think we will continue to see exciting developments in the coming months, and look forward to playing a part in shaping the future of Toronto.  Am I 100% sold on the Miller Kool-Aid? No, but I am definitely willing to give it a shot. Looks like I may even vote for him next time around.

For more on Millers Keynote and post speech interview check out MeshTV.

Torontoist also featured a post on Miller’s Keynote: Mesh, Media, and the Miller