25 September 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver Liberals Will Bring Free Wi-Fi to the Downtown Eastside
Kareem Allam, Vancouver Liberals will ensure free Wi-Fi is available in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to uplift and protect vulnerable communities
VANCOUVER, BC - Kareem Allam and the Vancouver Liberals have announced today that upon election, they will work to bring free Wi-Fi to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). The Liberals will work with five non-profit organizations in the DTES to implement the Wi-Fi and create more positive outcomes for unhoused individuals.
“Wi-Fi access goes beyond simply connecting people to the internet, it also helps Vancouver’s vulnerable find help when it’s needed. For example, it helps people find shelters with open beds on Vancouver’s coldest winter days instead of spending nights in the unforgiving cold,” said Allam. “We’ve also seen increasing rates of petty theft in the DTES, which can often be of wallets and phones - peoples’ means of ID and communication. Wi-Fi access can help people recover their means of identification, reconnect with their families and support networks, and even get new SIM cards for replacement phones.”
The Vancouver Liberals want to improve the quality of life of Vancouverites and that includes those living in the DTES. Addressing crime in the area and uplifting those in need aren’t mutually exclusive ideas; they can be simultaneous goals.
“The residents of Vancouver’s DTES face different challenges than in other parts of the city, and it’s our responsibility to make sure that when they face crises, they have access to the same support systems as everyone else. We want to help them find shelter when it’s needed, and to minimize disruptions to their lives when they’re victims of crime, among many other reasons. It’s just the right thing to do,” explained Allam.
Media Contact:
Vancouver Liberals Communications