Facebook at the swimming pool, Twitter in the hockey stands, YouTube during dance class. The city is hoping to give Ottawa residents the ability to go online when they’re out and about at certain city-run buildings.
Internet might be coming to city hall, Jack Purcell Community Centre and Plant Recreation Centre as part of a plan to install wireless networks in 25 municipal facilities by the end of the year, says Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney, chair of the information technology sub-committee.
Citizens would no longer be limited by their data plans and Wi-Fi-only devices, and could go online during hockey practice, Tierney says.
“I coach hockey and I’m at the rinks a lot and get that question from a lot of people, ‘why can’t we have Wi-Fi here?’” he says. It would give parents the ability to watch a video or check their email, for example, during practice, Tierney says.
He says the only problem is the cost.
On March 14, the city sent out a request to businesses asking for their proposal to outfit the 25 facilities with Wi-Fi, without the city having to spend a penny, except on electrical costs.
“Whoever the bidder is, is responsible for the complete system, so it won’t cost the taxpayers any money,” Tierney says.
He added he thinks the city can leverage its assets, which are the buildings themselves, and in return the winning bidder could creatively use the buildings to generate revenue.
While it is a great opportunity to work with the city, the cost burden is giving Storm Internet Services Inc. pause, says Dave Chiswell, CEO of the Ottawa-based company.
Due to the extent of the city’s request for installation and equipment, along with the challenges that come with outfitting 25 large buildings with Internet capabilities, Chiswell says he doesn’t know how any creative financing, such as advertisements or paid-for Wi-Fi access, could cover the estimated minimum $100,000 in costs.
“For a company of 40 people like Storm, that’s a big number for us to absorb. That’s why we’re struggling with it right now,” he says. “I’d love to be part of it, I just can’t see the economics right now.”
According to the city’s plan, the winning bidder must set up Wi-Fi access at the 25 facilities within six months of the contract start date. The city would require the winner to pay an exclusive Wi-Fi provider fee and share part the advertising revenue.
If successful, the project would extend additional municipal facilities in groups of 25, and to transit services.
All proposals for the project must be submitted by April 24, and Tierney says he hopes the project will be running by the end of the year.
People are becoming more connected with the Internet all the time, and with the city’s updated website and open data content, Wi-Fi service is the next evolution “bringing us into the 21st century kicking and screaming,” Tierney says.
The project is one step among many helping Ottawa catch up with technological advances and become a leader among Canadian municipalities, Tierney says.
“If people can be more productive in those off times, that’s great news and reflects well on the city.”
Storm Internet provides Wi-Fi services to the Ottawa Bluesfest and Folk Festival, as well as to campsites and Barnabe’s Independent Grocer in Perth.
“Internet is more than just reading and emails now. It's a source of entertainment, of doing ecommerce. It's a source of being informed. It's a source of providing an opinion. It’s a source of networking with your friends,” Chiswell says.
The Internet has become the fourth most-used utility, he says, after water, electricity and plumbing.