Group Z

World Setting

Year

2034

City

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Overview

Our new world is set in the Toronto of 2034 - ten years into the future, but what feels like a lifetime away. The city has a familiar energy to today, with the iconic CN Tower still gracing the skyline, though there is a marked increase in the density of high-rise buildings spreading outward from the city centre as the purchase of a fully-loaded "smart" condo in the sky has more appeal to many than the prospect of renovating an older "dumb" home. Familiar challenges of housing, transit, and climate persist, though incremental strides have been made to address them, including the locally-relevant completion of the long awaited Ontario subway line. The streets have seen a gradual decline in commuters - certainly by car - but by foot and bicycle as well, as Toronto adapts to a world where work, socializing, and education - in particular - have become increasingly remote and interconnected. New and more accessible technologies - like virtual reality - bridge the gap between physical and digital life, weaving the city into a networked hub where once distinct neighbourhood lines (a former Hallmark of the 6ix) have blurred and blended somewhat seamlessly with global communities.

State of Society

Political Climate

The political landscape is marked by tension between tradition and transformation - the swinging of the political pendulum from one extreme to another has persisted, with less tolerance for middle-ground grey. The government is grappling with balancing the needs of increasingly diverse urban populations, while addressing the persistent challenges of housing affordability, wealth inequality (which is becoming more pronounced and visible as the digital divide rises to the surface of nearly every interaction at home, work, and school), and climate change. Public trust in traditional political institutions remains fragile, and grassroots political movements are becoming more popular and gaining steam at an increased rate given the advanced digital platforms available to connect those who, 10 years ago, would not normally have been connected. In particular, these grassroots movements are looking for far more transparency and accountability from their elected leaders. Global issues like climate change, cybersecurity, and AI regulation are regular topics on the domestic political agenda - local, provincial, and federal - as leaders find themselves navigating these interconnected challenges. Youth of 2034 have a more vested interest and involvement in civic engagement overall, as new technologies have allowed them the ability to participate more directly, reshaping what it means or looks like to be politically active. Youth voting is at an all-time high as Gen Alpha seeks to drive Toronto toward a future that truly reflects their priorities for equity, innovation, and sustainability.

Social Justice

Social justice is a central force of the political landscape of 2034. Historically marginalized communities have increased access to more advanced communication tools to help amplify their voices, expose systemic inequities, and demand change in real time. However, technical advancements in AI and surveillance technologies (see surveillance section below) have the possibility to be weaponized by government to suppress perceived dissent. This isn't necessarily a new practice in 2034, but rather a practice that is slowly becoming more prevalent in Western society.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Overview

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is increasingly woven into the social fabric of 2034 Toronto, shaping education, media, and workplace culture in meaningful ways. Gradual progress over the past decade has led to more normalized and authentic representations of diverse identities and experiences in daily life. From school textbooks featuring math problems that include 2SLGBTQ+ families, to literature and media highlighting the stories of trans individuals, disabled persons, and those from underrepresented cultural backgrounds, the narrative of inclusion is now subtly integrated rather than being the exception.

In the education sector, classrooms reflect this progress with curricula that champion intersectionality and celebrate diverse histories and voices. Teachers are equipped with resources to foster inclusivity, and many students grow up seeing themselves - or others unlike themselves - represented in ways that once seemed groundbreaking. However, this normalization has not come without pushback.

For some, EDI initiatives have sparked significant polarization. Critics, often driven by personal, cultural, or religious beliefs, argue that such inclusivity undermines traditional values or promotes ideologies they oppose. This tension has led to a rise in alternative education pathways, with more parents opting out of public schools in favor of private or secular institutions that align with their worldview. Given the increased prevalence of remote learning, there is less capital expenditure required to "build" these institutions as they can - and many do - exist solely remotely, creating situations of extreme homogeneity and isolation which could become problematic as time passes.

Despite these divides, the broader societal shift toward inclusivity continues to gain momentum. Organizations and institutions increasingly recognize that EDI is not just a moral imperative but also a driver of innovation, empathy, and progress.

EDI and Technology

Technology both reflects and drives EDI in 2034. Products and platforms prioritize inclusive design principles, thus creating spaces where all individuals can fully participate. Augmented reality for virtually impaired individuals, language translation apps that include traditional indigenous languages, and digital media that showcase diverse avatars, etc. are all examples of what is normal in 2034. Algorithmic bias in AI still exists, though the public is more educated and aware, and thus companies are being held to higher standards to establish stricter oversight mechanisms to check and reduce bias.

Impacts of Technology

Social Media

Use of social media continues to be widespread in 2034. Social norms and expectations drive social media use among youth. With the emergence of VR technology in the classroom and more online classes, social media has become a way for youth to connect with friends and participate in social activities inside and outside of schools.

While tech addiction, cyber-bullying, high self-criticisms and isolation are still prevalent, schools are working with parents to establish parental controls and network access to minimize these risks and facilitate better support and community engagement.

Image Gallery

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  Toronto Skyline in 2034. It looks relatively similar to today, with more high rise density and waterfront development.

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