Free Wi-Fi coming to parts of Halifax and Dartmouth

Free public Wi-Fi zones will be coming to the Halifax region by June.

A plan to set up a number of wireless-network zones in downtown Halifax and Dartmouth squeaked through regional council in a 9-8 vote Tuesday.

Coun. LisaBlackburnsaidsome communities have provided this service for many years.

"We're so far behind, we think we're first," saidBlackburn,councillorfor District 14Middle/UpperSackville-BeaverBank-Lucasville.

Coun.WayeMason argued freeWi-Fiwas a social investment because not everyone has data plans.

"There is a digital divide, there's lots of evidence," said Mason, who represents District 7Halifax South Downtown.

'Too much for too little'

Anumber of councillors had concerns about the cost and the limited zones.

"It's too much for too little," said Richard Zurawski, councillor for District 12 Timberlea-Beechville-Clayton Park-Wedgewood.

Coun. David Hendsbeeargued against havingfree Wi-Fizones because there are residents in rural areas that don't have any internet access.

"We have communities out there that are suffering who don't have rural broadband," said Hendsbee, who represents District 2, Preston-Chezzetcook-Eastern Shore. "Dial-up is a dream for some."

Chief administrative officerJacques Dubpointed out the federal government is committed to significant investment in rural internet.

"We need to pursue those opportunities, but that is a separate road," said Dub.

Sharing costs

Thefree Wi-Fizones will be locatedin the Grand Parade outside Halifax City Hall, along parts of the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts, as well as the areas around the Halifax Central Library on Spring Garden Road, the Halifax North Memorial Library on Gottingen Street andthe AlderneyGate Public Library in Dartmouth.

Municipal staff plan to talk to the Waterfront Development Corporation, which has had offered some Wi-Fi coverage since 2008,about sharing the cost of the Wi-Fi in the waterfront zones.

Other private Wi-Fi networks, such as one along Argyle Street, may piggyback on the municipal system.

The free public Wi-Fi zones should be up and running in time for Canada 150 events and the Tall Ships Regatta in July.