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Long considered the Bermuda Triangle of the internet, Elmvale Community Arena is on its way to becoming a high-powered hub for all things wired.
In fact, by around this time next week, it should be ready to go, just in time for the Elmvale Fall Fair, allowing participants, visitors and vendors the ability to post and respond to texts and videos quickly and effortlessly — just like at home.
“We’re here to propose a significant and modern upgrade for the Elmvale arena,” Alexia Agouridis, chief marketing officer for SwoopFiber told council Wednesday night as she began her presentation. “We want to provide state-of-the-art wireless connectivity.
“The entire project, from start to finish, is fully funded by SwoopFiber with absolutely no cost to the township,” she added.
According to Agouridis, the company will provide high-speed internet access for all spectators, visitors and businesses using the arena and the area surrounding it. It would be accessible through a simple, branded landing page on their device.
Additionally, the system would allow local hockey teams the ability to stream their games in high definition.
“This isn’t just about basic internet, it’s about enabling two powerful and high-value services,” Agouridis said. “In today’s world, connectivity is an expectation.
“This system will allow everyone who comes to the arena the ability to share their experience on social media in real time,” she added.
Her pitch appeared to hit all the right notes and connected with township councillors, most of whom say they have had less-than-wonderful internet experiences in the George Street arena.
“I’ve spent years of my life in that arena,” said Coun. Danielle Alexander. “It has horrible, if any, cellphone service, so this is definitely a welcome addition.”
Coun. Phil Fisher concurred. As the parent of a hockey player, he said he sometimes finds himself at work and not at the game. With this technology, he said he can follow the game in real-time.
“I would endorse it, there’s no downside,” he said.
Agouridis said the company needs a day to complete the installation and is working toward doing the work next Tuesday. She said the company assumes all liability and responsibility for the program, and would need little more than an outlet from the township.
“The township’s role is straightforward — provide scheduled access for the installation and sustained power source for the equipment,” she said.
Agouridis said the installation will adhere to all Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) rules and regulations and would ensure all privacy laws are followed.
This is the first project the company, which is based in Elmvale, will work on in partnership with the township.
“In the future, we hope to come and discuss more opportunities to bring public Wi-Fi to things like parks and other facilities,” Agouridis said.
Township council unanimously supported the request.
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