ConnectTO: Internet Connectivity

In an increasingly digital society, having dependable, affordable access to the Internet is essential. We know from both data and public feedback, however, that there is a persistent digital divide in Toronto. This means that access to government services, banking, medical appointments, social connections, and other digital tools is not evenly available to all residents. This reality became increasingly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as access to the Internet became even more crucial for various aspects of daily life.

ConnectTO is a program approved by City Council in 2021 to work towards improving the digital connectivity of all Torontonians. Since then, the program has worked in several key areas, each of which aims at improving the lives of Toronto residents through expanded access to the Internet. Much of this work has been carried out in partnership with other City divisions, agencies, and corporations—leveraging municipal resources for maximum impact.Whether fibre, Wi-Fi, or other project development, all of ConnectTO’s work is informed by critical data on the digital divide in Toronto: where it occurs, who is affected, and how best to address it. For this reason, ConnectTO sponsors new, cutting-edge research with a number of Toronto-area and beyond higher educational institution (HEI) partners. These institutions’ researchers and students provide insight into the digital divide as it is experienced, and this is used to ensure that resources are deployed for greatest impact to help bridge the digital divide. 

  • Access to free public Wi-Fi is increasingly seen as a must-have and expected amenity in buildings where the public is welcome. ConnectTO staff have made progress towards meeting these expectations and continue to work with municipal partners to grow the number and type of City facilities with free public Wi-Fi. A robust public Wi-Fi network can enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors by allowing them to stay connected, work remotely, and to access online services more easily. The ConnectTO program will be finalizing an expanded free public Wi-Fi strategy to set the vision for the coming years of project development.
  • Staff are examining models for shared management and redevelopment, where appropriate, of the City’s fibre assets. Municipal fibre is quite limited at this time, but there may be cooperative models by which the City could expand its approach both to ensure network efficiency and also potentially to provide any excess future network capacity to the private market. This capacity could help promote competition and drive affordability for Toronto residents. Additionally, staff are working hand-in-hand with GTHA regional partners to determine whether there are feasible models for cooperation in public fibre networks.
  • As the City of Toronto expands its efforts to increase the availability of affordable homes for Torontonians, ConnectTO staff are working per Council direction to include in-building fibre infrastructure in City-owned residential buildings.This ongoing work will unfold in multiple phases as part of a collaborative effort with key partners. The aim is to enable the provision of lower-cost Internet service.

Whether fibre, Wi-Fi, or other project development, all of ConnectTO’s work is informed by critical data on the digital divide in Toronto: where it occurs, who is affected, and how best to address it. For this reason, ConnectTO sponsors new, cutting-edge research with a number of Toronto-area and beyond higher educational institution (HEI) partners. These institutions’ researchers and students provide insight into the digital divide as it is experienced, and this is used to ensure that resources are deployed for greatest impact to help bridge the digital divide.

ConnectTO Phase 1

In February 2021, City Council approved ConnectTO, a collaborative program that aims to centralize stewardship of municipal resources and assets to deliver the City’s goals on equity and connectivity, including creation of a City of Toronto broadband network. The 2021 work plan included development of a strategic framework, and the solicitation and implementation of ConnectTO Phase 1 in several priority neighbourhoods.

  • City Council approved a report of Phase 1 findings and an approach for leveraging City-owned fibre to improve connectivity at its meeting on May 11, 2022.

Youth Learning & Work Placement

In 2021, a Youth Learning & Work Placement program was launched to provide 12 weeks of technology training for up to 15 young adults in the Digital Canopy public Wi-Fi communities. The City of Toronto partnered with the Careers Education Empowerment (CEE) Centre for Young Black Professionals to identify and onboard young adults through various outreach programs in those communities. The program was sponsored by the City of Toronto Youth Development Unit. The networking curriculum content and training support was donated by Cisco Canada.  Facilitated by Toronto Public Library and George Brown College, the program included Introduction to IoT (Internet of Things), Networking Essentials, and Introduction to Wireless, a Mentoring Roundtable with various panelists including City staff, and a virtual tour of the Cisco Innovation Centre.

Despite challenges related to the COVID-19 situation, nine youth successfully completed the program with certification. Upon completion of the program, work placements were arranged by the CEE Centre. Two youths have been placed with organizations that were seeking resource(s) with skillsets acquired in the program. Continuous improvements were applied throughout the program based on feedback, surveys and insights gathered. City staff are exploring opportunities to continue and/or expand the program in the future.

Digital Canopy

Through generous donations, the Digital Canopy project was created in 2020 to extend free public Wi-Fi to low-income neighbourhoods by connecting several large residential apartment buildings with access for one year to help bridge the digital divide in the pandemic. In 2021, the original donations were extended and the free Wi-Fi network continues to operate and benefit residents.