SASKATOON (Staff) – The federal government has helped 271 small towns buy tickets on the internet express.
The $18 million Community Access Program was set up in 1995 to allow rural communities greater access to the internet, a worldwide computer network.
The goal of the program is to aid 1,000 communities over three years in setting up a computer with internet access. Located in public areas, the sites allow rural people training and exposure to the technology that might not otherwise be available.
The three prairie provinces received 73 grants with Manitoba claiming 32 sites and more than $700,000. Saskatchewan received 22 and Alberta 19 sites.
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“It is a cost-shared program where the community takes the initiative to organize around the project and guarantee its operation for three years,” said Wayne Tosh, of the Community Access Program in Ottawa.
Communities must provide matching funding, location, project management, commitment to public training and financial support.
Computer training offered
Each community is different in its goals. Asquith, Sask., will be involving the community in training programs that take place in the local school library. The group will be providing both access and computer training in general for business and individuals.
“Community service and local organizations are looking forward to being able to network with others in the same groups but in different locations…. Our own writers guild is looking forward to this opportunity,” said Patricia Lunde, of Asquith.
