New Westminster – The City of New Westminster is launching a Wi-Fi pilot project to assess the viability of introducing a municipal-based wireless communication structure within city limits. The year-long pilot project was approved by City Council at a working session early last week.

“City staff have been working with our Electric Utility Commission and Information Technology Department to develop a Wi-Fi city initiative around making New Westminster a truly “wireless city”,” said Mayor Wayne Wright . “The pilot project will allow us to determine if this is something we want to expand throughout the City.”

The $95,000 pilot project will evaluate the performance and reliability of new wireless technology, assess user feedback from business owners, civic facility users and residents, and test potential applications for improving municipal operation efficiencies.

Two locations have been chosen as test sites including:

• Uptown Business Corridor with Wi-Fi coverage starting at the New Westminster Public Library (NWPL) near 6th Street and 6th Avenue and extending to 6th Street and 5th Avenue. Wireless internet access will be available at NWPL, Royal City Centre, New Westminster Mall, banks, coffee shops and small retail businesses.
• Queens Park Area with coverage throughout the park including in Queens Park Arena, Queens Park Arenex, City of New Westminster Parks and Recreation works yard, Queens Park Stadium and Centennial Lodge.

The Wi-Fi initiative is part of the City’s long-term “Livable City” strategy to attract businesses, residents and visitors to New Westminster.

“This exciting project is a perfect example of how New Westminster is embracing the future,” said Wright. “We are going to do our due diligence first before looking at broad city coverage.”

Over 300 cities across North America are currently pursuing and implementing a municipal Wi-Fi strategy. Should the pilot-project be expanded on a permanent basis, it is expected to generate revenues that will allow the City to recoup its investment within 3 to 4 years. The City has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest from Wi-Fi suppliers with a closing date of May 28, 2009.

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Contact:
Alvin Chok, Manager
Information Technology Department
604-527-4553

Rod Carle, General Manager
Electric Utility Commission
604-527-4569