On Wednesday, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed a motion calling for free Wi-Fi to be installed in the Downtown Eastside so people without housing can receive assistance.
Councilor Christine Boyle told CityNews the motion expands access to public WiFi in the Downtown Eastside and adds public WiFi access points to residential, non-profit and municipal housing in B.C. He said he is focusing on.
Mr Boyle says that without access to free Wi-Fi, cities will face a “digital divide” as the internet becomes part of everyday life in 2024.
“We know that for people in the city, especially those on low incomes, access to Wi-Fi is critical and can sometimes be life-saving,” she said. .
“Access to WiFi is a lifeline to social support, including staying in touch with family and friends and access to knowledge and employment.”
The councilor says life-saving medical care is only available through WiFi. These include state and federally funded services such as nurse hotlines, telehealth physician care, and virtual support services.
“With more lives being lost every day to the toxic drug crisis, we need to do everything we can to connect people to the resources and support they need,” she said.
“Expanding public WiFi networks is one common sense way to do that. It also promotes economic development in areas frequented by tourists, such as Gastown and Chinatown, which is a win-win. .”
Boyle added that not everyone can afford WiFi.
“People may not realize how difficult it is to get online,” she says.
“When incomes are so tight that paying your monthly phone bill is beyond your budget, vital public services like this can help provide support to those in need.”
The councilor said this was an important support for people to get back on their feet and stay connected.
She said she was encouraged by the widespread support for the proposed motion on council.
“We recognize the importance of providing access to existing resources and supports to help close the gaps that exist and help people get back on their feet, improve their health, find housing, and more.” she said.
Oona Krieg, COO of Brave Technology Co-op, said she strongly supports the move.
“Our support stems from the recognition that access to the internet is a critical lifeline for DTES residents,” they said.
“This initiative is an important step toward building safer, more connected, and inclusive cities for everyone, especially those who have historically been excluded from access to digital resources. ”
According to a city council member, the expansion of public Wi-Fi is “expected to revitalize local business and tourism.”
Landon Hoyt, executive director of the Hastings Crossing BIA, says this is a great thing for small businesses.
“Improved access and connectivity is good for everyone in the neighborhood, whether you’re visiting from out of town, getting goods delivered within the area, stopping by a local business, or just struggling to make ends meet,” they said. said.
“As BIA, we recognize that our neighborhoods are safer and healthier when everyone has access to the supports and resources they need to survive and thrive. Access is a fundamental part of our lives, and improving that access makes everyone feel better.”
The City of Vancouver currently has 521 free public WiFi locations across the city in a mix of private and public access buildings.
With files from Shrusti Gangdev.
