Thursday, July 10, 2014 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking information about the interest and capabilities of solution providers for the potential deployment of public WiFi in the municipality’s urban core.
This RFI follows direction from Regional Council to proceed with investigating public WiFi as an eligible project under the 5 Year, $50 Million Capital Improvement Campaign (http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/140211ca1121.PDF).
During the municipality’s Downtown, I’m In community engagement initiative this past winter, public WiFi in the urban core was identified frequently by participants as an initiative of particular interest. Public WiFi is recognized as a significant opportunity to enhance the experience of residents and visitors. It will also support Halifax’s growing reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking city, and encourage people to use and enjoy our public spaces.
The information gathered from the RFI will inform staff recommendations regarding the potential deployment of public WiFi in key downtown areas. The initiative is still at the exploratory stage, with a recommendation to Council planned for the fall of 2014. Consideration of next steps with the initiative, including the possible issuance of a Request for Proposals, would be at the direction of Council.
A key aspect of the proposed WiFi initiative is identifying opportunities to collaborate among the public and private sectors. The municipality is continuing to identify, develop, and foster opportunities with several stakeholders, including but not limited to: Province of Nova Scotia; Waterfront Development; Nova Scotia Tourism Agency; Destination Halifax; Halifax Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Halifax Business Commission; Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission; and King’s Wharf.
It is anticipated there will be interest from the telecommunications and technology sector for delivery and support of this new service. To ensure value for tax dollar, all cost-sharing options will be considered.
The RFI is posted online with Nova Scotia Tender Notices: http://www.novascotia.ca/tenders/tenders/ns-tenders.aspx. The closing date for responses is July 31, 2014.
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Media Contact:
Sarah Reeves
Halifax Regional Municipality
Public Affairs
(m) 902-476-6464
reevess@halifax.ca
