Have you had trouble posting that perfect picture of the fountain at Lafarge Lake on Instagram?
How about that video you wanted to upload of yourself deadlifting 425 pounds in the weight room at the Pinetree Community Centre?
Well, it appears faster free wireless internet access across Coquitlam is on the way.
In a release today (July 14), the city says it's received a $100,000 grant from the federal government to double the speed of its current network by upgrading equipment and infrastructure — some of which are nearly a decade old.
"This year’s grant funding enables the City to increase bandwidth from 1G (gigabit) to 10G at all hotspots and to upgrade Wi-Fi equipment at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex and City Centre Aquatic Centre," explains Danny Bandiera, city manager of information communications and technology.
Coquitlam currently has 33 Wi-Fi hot-spots set up at public parks, squares and civic facilities, including Town Centre Park, the Coquitlam Crunch, Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool and the Evergreen Cultural Centre.
It's also the latest upgrade to most major Wi-Fi hot-spots in the city since 2016.
"Improving free Wi-Fi in our parks and facilities will make it possible for residents and visitors to stay connected while enjoying our City’s recreation facilities, festivals and events, and parks and trails," adds Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart.
"We appreciate the support of our federal and provincial partners and the Union of B.C. Municipalities as we work to improve services for the community."
The money is coming from the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), which was created to provide stable infrastructure funding for local municipalities.
Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon believes faster internet can have a lasting impact on today's day and age.
"Having access to fast and reliable wireless service is critical in our increasingly digital world. Increased bandwidth at public Wi-Fi hotspots will provide Coquitlam’s residents with greater access to critical resources, work, school, and various online services."
For more information, you can visit the City of Coquitlam's website.
The Wi-Fi hot-spot locations are as follows (in no particular order):
- Cottonwood Park
- Brookmere Park
- Como Lake Park
- Blue Mountain Park
- Mackin Park
- Rochester Park
- Dogwood Pavilion
- Poirier Community Centre
- Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex
- Spani Outdoor Pool
- Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool
- Field House
- Mundy Park Off Leash Dog Park
- Coquitlam Animal Shelter
- Coquitlam Crunch
- Austin Service Centre
- Sheffield Park
- Riley Park
- Smiling Creek Park
- Galloway Park
- Queenston Park
- Victoria Community Hall
- Glen Pine Pavilion
- Coquitlam City Hall
- City Centre Aquatic Complex
- Innovation Centre
- Pinetree Community Centre
- TD Community Plaza
- Coquitlam Tennis Club
- Town Centre Basketball Courts
- Town Centre Park Skate and BMX Jump Park
- Percy Perry Stadium
- Town Centre Park Upper Parking Lot "E"
