Public Wi-Fi a possibility at Lakeview Park

By Chris Jones/The Oshawa Express

City staff will be working with utility providers to find out if Wi-Fi at Lakeview Park is a possibility.

At the latest corporate services committee meeting, Ward 5 City and Regional Councillor Brian Nicholson brought forward a motion asking staff to work with utility providers to find out if Wi-Fi in Lakeview Park is possible.

Nicholson’s motion prompted Ward 4 City Councillor Derek Giberson to ask if staff have discussed the possibility of Wi-Fi with utility providers, such as Oshawa PUC (OPUC).

According to Commissioner of Corporate Services Tracy Adams, staff has had discussions with OPUC to determine if the utility company can help provide Internet infrastructure in that part of the city.

Giberson then asked Adams to direct the conversation towards OPUC CEO Ivano Labricciosa.

“My brief discussion with him on this matter was that he would like to see what they can do,” he says.

Ward 1 City Councillor Rosemary McConkey then asked if the city has contacted the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority about expanding Wi-Fi at the park.

Adams notes they have yet to discuss the prospect with HOPA.

McConkey expressed some concern, noting other municipalities have brought public Wi-Fi to their beaches in the past.

“I can’t believe we’re behind on getting it down there,” she says.

However, McConkey notes the motion means it will be tied to an expansion of the Oshawa Museum, and she doesn’t want it delayed.

“I think it should be on the 2021 budget,” she says.

Adams explains the capital costs for public Wi-Fi would be about $250,000, with an annual operating cost of approximately $23,000.

Nicholson asked if staff could find some potential partners before making a financial decision.