City of Surrey getting free Wi-Fi with Shaw deal

Free Wi-Fi is coming to Surrey.

At over 40 locations—all recreation centres and some parks, civic buildings, and public spaces—residents and visitors will eventually be able to access the Internet at no charge.

Surrey council has approved a multi-year licensing agreement with Shaw Communications, which will see that company build and run the wireless network. Shaw will get access to city facilities and "shared marketing opportunities".

“Investing in technology and innovation is essential to building a city that is prepared for the challenges of the future,” Mayor Dianne Watts said in a news release. “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.”

The Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Fraser Heights Recreation Centre, Guildford Library, Guildford Recreation Centre, North Surrey Recreation Centre, South Surrey Recreation Centre, and Surrey Arts Centre will be the first places to get free Wi-Fi.

Downtown Sechelt recently launched free Wi-Fi service.