The Town of Cochrane submitted its proposal for the Smart Cities Challenge grant competition on April 24, settling on a vie for a $5 million piece of the pie, rather than the more ambitious $50 million. Crafted by a volunteer advisory steering committee of tech and community-minded residents, the proposal is for the development of a town-owned fibre optic network that would connect everyone in town to free and open internet. "What we're trying to do is provide a free, wireless platform – it's something being done in other cities," said Mayor Jeff Genung, with reference to the town-owned fibre network in nearby Olds. "We really want to win the money, but moving ahead, if we don't receive the grant this is something I see as affordable for the community. The town will await the decision later this year, to see whether or not it will receive a $250,000 grant that would fund a detailed proposal and budget on how to execute the platform. Initially, Mayor Jeff Genung and CAO Dave Devana were set to shoot for the stars, seeking the top prize in the federal competition that awards cities or towns for innovative proposals looking to improve communities through technology. The top prize is up to $50 million; two prizes for second place will be awarded $10 million each, and a third place will be granted $5 million. Grant recipients are to be announced in the spring of 2019. Proposals must indicate which of the grants they are competing for at the time of submission. Those submitting for the $5-million grant must have a maximum population of 30,000. If successful, the $5-million prize will fund a portion of the overall project. The estimated budget is $19.83 million with a five-year roll-out to deploy 39 km of fibre optic network along main streets. Estimated borrowing is $14.83 million over five years with a 20-year amortization, should the town be successful in its $5 million bid. The estimated cost to residents would $6.68 per month per household. Savings would be contingent on the elimination of traditional internet costs, for an average cost savings of $60 to $90 per month per household. The bid moved forward following a 5-2 endorsement by council, with Couns. Morgan Nagel and Pat Wilson opposed. “The conversation has entirely changed ... it went from being a free competition to a multi-million dollar expense,” said Nagel, who questions the level of telecommunications expertise within the town, especially when compared to giants in the private sector such as Telus, Rogers and Shaw. “Never in my experience have I seen the government outperform the private sector,” said Nagel. Wilson also questions the direction of the initiative. “I feel like our numbers are ballooning upwards,” said Wilson, adding that should the town be successful with the grant application he would advocate for a user-pay model rather than a blanket tax. Genung disagreed. “It’s not about competing with private industry. If we can provide a service to our community at a discount, why wouldn’t we do that?” said Genung, adding that the municipality already has significant conduit in the ground, which is the bulk of the cost. Based on recommendations through the Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)-funded CARES study, the initiative is also looking to address findings that reveal nearly half of those surveyed experience loneliness and isolation; 1,200 participants were involved in the CARES survey last year. The proposal would address three modules of the car survey: mobility, community and town services connections. “Technology has contributed to isolation and loneliness and we’re trying to flip that on its back to reconnect people,” said Genung, adding that the possibilities are endless as far as the potential for residents to connect with one another -be it for a neighbour to give them a hand shovelling snow, a senior in need of grocery pick-up, a dial-a-bus service or a ride sharing solution. Nagel said he is doubtful of how the initiative would be able to cure loneliness – something he feels is better addressed by getting people into public spaces, taking part in sports teams and community events. Couns. Marni Fedeyko, Susan Flowers, Tara McFadden and Alex Reed joined Genung in support and were in agreement with the premise that it’s better to win $5 million than lose $10 million or $50 million. Businesses requiring more than 100 Mbps would be able to purchase premium plans. Learn more at cochrane.ca.
