BRAGG CREEK – The Bragg Creek Community Centre has launched a new program to ensure those who need access to reliable Internet have their needs met during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help those affected by COVID-19, the Bragg Creek Community Centre has launched a program to provide Internet access to those who are still working from home or attending school online, said program and event manager Christine Pollard.
“We saw a need for a service here in our community,” Pollard said.
She said accessing the Internet is a major issue for many in the Bragg Creek area and has been for many years.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the need for reliable access to online services as more people are working from home or attending virtual school.
“It’s a challenge on a good day. Factor in COVID and it makes it even worse,” Pollard said.
They decided to launch an option to access the Internet from the Community Centre because it has the best and most reliable Internet in Bragg Creek.
They have created a co-work space where people who need to work remotely can come. The workplace will be in a space upstairs in a room overlooking the auditorium area. Pollard said 12 pods will be available and have been designed to be COVID-19 safe. Those that access the program will have access to a desk and an Internet connection. Each pod will have six-inch-high dividers and will be 42” deep.
“Once you’re sitting at your desk you are completely surrounded by workspace and you’re not going to be in anybody else’s space,” Pollard said.
The program is one of many adaptations that have been made since the Community Centre reopened with COVID-19 public health measures in place.
“We’ve had to pivot a lot,” Pollard said, explaining many programs and events that would be offered in the fall have been put on hiatus. “We’re not able to do a lot of things because we can’t run them safely.”
There have been some bookings so far, she said. The Internet pods officially launch Monday (Sept. 14).
Pollard said once the community is more aware of the program she expects to see a steep uptick in residents accessing the Internet at the Community Centre.
“It will be needed now more than ever."
