Community Wi-Fi and Access Hubs
The public library offers free internet access, but closes at 6 PM. The community center has Wi-Fi, but requires membership. The shelter provides computers, but privacy is limited and time slots are short. For Canadians without home internet access, community Wi-Fi and public access points are lifelines—but these lifelines have limits.
Types of Community Access
Public Libraries
Libraries remain the most widespread source of free internet access. Most Canadian public libraries offer Wi-Fi and public computers. Many also lend laptops, tablets, or mobile hotspots.
Libraries provide not just access but support—staff who can help with technology questions, programs teaching digital skills, and trusted environments for completing sensitive tasks like job applications or benefit enrollment.
Limitations include hours of operation (evenings and weekends may have reduced service), demand that exceeds capacity (waiting for computers, time limits on use), and geographic distribution that may not match where need is greatest.
Community Centers and Settlement Agencies
Community centers, settlement agencies serving newcomers, and social service organizations often provide internet access for their clients. These may offer more specialized support than libraries—immigration-related help at settlement agencies, youth programming at community centers.
Access may be limited to members, clients, or specific populations. Hours and availability vary.
Public Housing
Some public housing developments have started providing internet access for residents. Given the concentration of low-income residents without home internet, building-wide access can reach those who most need it.
Implementation varies. Some developments have robust Wi-Fi; others have none. Funding, building infrastructure, and ongoing costs create barriers to expansion.
Municipal Wi-Fi
Some municipalities have implemented public Wi-Fi in downtown areas, parks, transit systems, or other public spaces. This provides connectivity for people passing through but typically is not sufficient for sustained use like work or education.
Coverage is usually limited to specific areas, leaving residential neighborhoods without public access.
Shelters and Drop-In Centers
For people experiencing homelessness, shelters and drop-in centers may be the only access points. These provide crucial connectivity but often with time limits, limited privacy, and devices shared among many users.
What Community Access Enables
Community access points enable activities that require internet but that users cannot do at home:
Job searching and applications: Most job postings are online. Many applications must be completed digitally.
Education: Online courses, homework requiring internet research, and educational resources depend on connectivity.
Government services: Employment insurance, tax filing, benefit applications, and many government interactions have moved online.
Healthcare: Appointment booking, prescription refills, access to health information, and telehealth all require connectivity.
Social connection: Email, video calls, and social media maintain relationships, particularly for people who are isolated.
Limitations of Community Access
Hours
Libraries and community centers have limited hours. People working during the day may find evening and weekend access insufficient. People with caregiving responsibilities may not be able to visit during open hours.
Time Limits
Public computers often have time limits—30 minutes or an hour—to ensure shared access. This may not be enough for complex tasks like completing applications, taking online courses, or participating in video appointments.
Privacy
Public settings limit privacy. Completing sensitive forms, accessing personal accounts, or having confidential video calls in public spaces is difficult. People may avoid tasks that require privacy.
Transportation
Reaching access points requires transportation. For people in areas without good transit, without cars, or with mobility limitations, traveling to libraries or community centers may be a significant barrier.
Digital Skills
Access points provide connectivity but may not provide sufficient support for people with limited digital skills. Staff availability varies, and formal training programs may not match when people need help.
Expanding and Improving Access
Strategies for expanding community access include:
Extended hours: Evening and weekend hours, possibly through self-serve access in secure facilities.
Mobile access points: Bookmobiles or mobile tech labs that bring access to underserved areas.
Device lending: Library programs lending laptops, tablets, and hotspots for home use extend access beyond building hours.
Private spaces: Study rooms, phone booths, or other private spaces within public facilities enable confidential activities.
Partnerships: Libraries partnering with social services, employment agencies, and healthcare providers to provide wraparound support alongside access.
The Question
If community access points are essential infrastructure for Canadians without home internet, then their hours, locations, capacity, and support services are equity issues. How should public investment in community access be prioritized? What would it take to ensure that anyone who needs internet access can get it when they need it? And how should community access complement rather than substitute for affordable home internet?