Wifi pilot project goes live in New Westminster

New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster’s Wifi pilot project is now live in select locations throughout the city. The Wifi initiative is part of New Westminster’s long-term “Livable City” strategy to attract businesses, residents and visitors to the Royal City.

“We’re a historic city with deep connections to our past, but we are always looking to the future,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “The Wifi pilot project will provide us with valuable feedback on whether this is a concept worth expanding city-wide.”

Planning for the Wifi pilot project commenced in summer 2009. Following an RFP process, the City of New Westminster retained Bell and Motorola to supply the access point hardware and technology working under the guidance of the City’s Information Technology and Electric Utility departments.

Wifi access will be available for up to 15 users at each of the following locations: Queen’s Park, New Westminster Public Library and the Uptown Business District at 6th Avenue and 6th Street. Access codes for each location are as follows:

• Queen’s Park – 1122
• New Westminster Public Library – 3388
• Uptown Business District – 2233

During the pilot project, users will be limited to Wifi access for one hour per day.

“We are the first city in the lower mainland to utilize the latest 802.11N wireless technology,” said Alvin Chok, Chief Technology Officer for the City of New Westminster. “This provides us with a versatile platform to test a variety of wireless applications for users during the pilot phase.”

New Westminster’s Wifi pilot project will run until December 2010. Following the pilot project, city staff will evaluate the performance and reliability of the wireless technology, assess user feedback and review potential for improving municipal operation efficiencies. Based on the findings, a recommendation as to whether or not to expand Wifi across the City will be made to City Council for consideration.

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Contact:
Alvin Chok
Chief Technology Officer
City of New Westminster
604-527-4553 or