Vancouver city council voted Wednesday to explore ways to broaden access to free public Wi-Fi in the Downtown Eastside.
The proposal, put forward by Coun. Christine Boyle, highlighted the concept as a crucial method to bridge the “digital gap” in the city’s poorest neighborhood.
“As the world becomes increasingly digital, those without connectivity are being left behind,” the proposal states.
Access to free internet is especially important for people facing homelessness, the proposal states, helping them reach essential resources and stay connected with family.
Many important public services, such as the city’s shelter hotline, telehealth and 811 nurse services, weather and health alerts, all require cellular or internet access, it points out.
Vancouver currently provides 521 free public Wi-Fi locations through a partnership with Telus and Rogers, many of them in public libraries and other municipal buildings.
The plan approved Wednesday instructs city staff to return with a plan, schedule, and budget to extend Wi-Fi access in the Downtown Eastside by the end of 2024.
