In the fall of 1996 the Community Futures Development Corporation of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin (CFDC) received funding to open the first CAP sites and began opening in outlying areas during the year. Sites were established in Bancroft, Coe Hill, Maynooth, L’Amable and Paudash initially. Sites are located in libraries, educational facilities and private businesses.
Industry Canada initiated the CAP program to provide internet to areas where distance and access to private telephone lines did not allow the public access to the internet. As well economic limitations did not allow every home to have a computer. As tourism is the second largest industry in the area the sites are well utilized by travelers.
Since inception the Ontario Library Association (OLA) has assisted with funding for employment of summer students and youth to work at the sites. These employees have designed web pages, assisted with hardware and software installation and upkeep, created a news letter, signage and attended to general administrative duties associated with the sites. As well they have provided children and adult programs teaching internet use.
The program has been very successful is well utilized and offers a service that our rural area could not be without. |
