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September 21 and 22
2 days, 2 disciplines, 2 ways to participate – defining our professional roles and uniting to build more equitable, accessible and inspired communities.
#2GETHER2022
How often do planners think about the digital realm in the context of community connectivity? Internet access, once a rare opportunity, is today a core indicator of liveability: people rely on it every day for multiple tasks including online banking, working, learning, receiving health care and government services. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly emphasized the intersection of liveability and digital connectivity, with most Canadians now being digitally dependent in unprecedented ways: home internet and internet-enabled devices make it possible for families to isolate or quarantine; to reduce their contacts and risk of illness; to remain connected to family, friends, school and government services; and to conduct work. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has also emphasized the digital divide that separates those that do have access to the internet from those that don't. A recent study of the digital divide in Toronto indicates that 60% of persons who do not have access to home internet say this is impacting their ability to access critical services and information. Other studies have shown that many low-income Canadians can afford to pay for broadband service only if they sacrifice other necessities, such as food, clothing, and healthcare. Participants of this session will learn about the short- and long-term measures that Canada's largest City is taking to address the digital divide, and improve liveability and digital connectivity. Short-term measures include the "Wi-Fi on Wheels" initiative, bringing temporary internet access into public parks; and the "Digital Canopy" initiative, bringing free Wi-Fi to residents in 25 apartment neighbourhood towers. Long-term measures include the "ConnectTO" program, an initiative to leverage the municipal fibre network to deliver affordable high-speed broadband to vulnerable residents; and the development of a Digital Equity Policy, which is aimed at ensuring communities are connected – not divided – by technology.