MThe information highway has become the latest tool to fight criminal activity in downtown parks. The City of Vernon and Telus will launch free wireless Internet service at Cenotaph Park and the area in front of the library/museum starting Monday. “We want people to use proper activities there,” said Wayne Ikesaka, the city’s information services manager. Ikesaka believes that an increased public presence will lead to less crime and drugs at the two locations. “Businesses can have meetings there or students can do research or download music there,” he said. The six-megabite Freenet connection will be available at the two sites from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven days a week.
But Ikesaka expects the busiest time will be lunch when workers abandon their offices. “They can check their e-mail or browse the Internet on their break,” he said. Freenet will be in place for a six-month trial period. “If the public is using it, we can investigate having it more. If they are not using it, it was a good try,” said Ikesaka. The city installed wireless antennas at both parks, and if the service becomes permanent, operational costs could possibly be shared by the city and Telus. “Telus has been very supportive,” said Ikesaka of the initiative.
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