Free Wi-Fi in public part of $50M Halifax revitalization plan

A Halifax committee will consider a proposal to spend millions of dollars revitalizing the downtown core, including a project to provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces.

City staff think $50 million should be spent in downtown Dartmouth and downtown Halifax over the next five years.  But HRM wants the federal government and the province to share the costs of sprucing up main corridors such as Spring Garden Road, Quinpool Road and Argyle Street - making Halifax's share $17 million.   

Coun. Gloria McCluskey wants the burying of wires along Ochterloney Street in Dartmouth to be higher up the list.

"Remember that Ochterloney is a very historic street, has many heritage properties on it and it’s a great tourist street," she said.

A new report also suggests the city should set up free Wi-Fi in both public buildings and outdoor spaces allowing people to fully use their smart phones, tablets and laptops.  

Coun. Jennifer Watts thinks that could make big difference.

"I see opportunities for someone, for example, sitting at a picnic table in Grand Parade being able to connect," she said.

The $50-million capital improvement campaign is supposed to be discussed this afternoon in a committee meeting at city hall.

The plan will need final approval from Halifax regional council.