Surrey and Shaw Communications Inc. partner to offer free city-wide Wi-Fi service

THE City of Surrey, in partnership with Shaw Communications Inc., will be providing citywide Wi-Fi service coverage at all recreation centres and at a number of parks, civic buildings and public spaces. Residents and visitors will be able to access the service free of charge at more than 40 key locations throughout Surrey.

Mayor and Council have approved a licensing agreement that will see Shaw Communications Inc. install, operate and maintain the City Wide Wi-Fi network. As part of the multi-year agreement, the City will provide Shaw access to city facilities and shared marketing opportunities in exchange for Shaw’s Wi-Fi services and support.

“Investing in technology and innovation is essential to building a city that is prepared for the challenges of the future,” says Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. “Free, reliable and easily accessible City Wide Wi-Fi access is integral to the development of our city as it allows our residents to be socially engaged and well connected.”

Council’s Smart Surrey Strategy seeks to build a city that uses technology and innovation to transform life and work within the region. Most recently the “My Surrey App,” the first of its kind in BC, was released as a convenient alternative for residents to engage and interact with the City. The introduction of free Wi-Fi zones continues to build on Council’s goal of creating a highly connected community.

“With more and more people coming to live and work in Surrey, it is important that we encourage social engagement and connectivity,” says Councillor Bruce Hayne, Chair of the Investment and Innovation Committee. “The technological advancement and innovation this free Wi-Fi initiative brings will help in the transformation of our city at all levels.”

“This agreement represents another step in Shaw’s goal of providing our industry-leading Wi-Fi service to residents and customers across our footprint,” says Ron McKenzie, Vice President, Operations, Shaw Communications Inc. “We are excited to work with the City of Surrey in the coming months to bring the benefits of our Shaw Go Wi-Fi service to as many city locations as possible.”

The installation of the City Wide Wi-Fi Service will begin in priority locations across the city within the coming months, including:

* Cloverdale Fairgrounds

* Fraser Heights Recreation Centre

* Guildford Library

* Guildford Recreation Centre

* North Surrey Recreation Centre

* South Surrey Recreation Centre

* Surrey Arts Centre