Community Access Program
Community Access Program
What is CAP?
CAP (Community Access Program) is a federal government program to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills to use it. It piloted in 1994, and was officially launched in 1995. The community access program provides funds to CAP sites to purchase equipment such as computers and other electronic technology to ensure that people have free (at many CAP sites) internet access. Approximately 4,000 CAP sites provide Internet access in libraries, community and educational centres, Aboriginal organizations and other public access sites. (http://capstats.ocl.net)
Industry Canada also introduced what is known as CAP-YI, which is the CAP- Youth Initiative. Youth ages 15-30 are hired as interns to provide computer and internet training at the CAP sites throughout Canada. They also work on developing promotional material, and providing technical support for the CAP site. (http://capstats.ocl.net)
Where did CAP come from?
Starting in 1994, Industry Canada started a program called the
Community Access Program (CAP) in an effort to make Canada the leader
in the global "Internet race." Initially, Industry Canada focused on
rural communities, where Internet access was less available.
Libraries, municipal offices and schools could apply for funding to
purchase computers and computer equipment for their places of business
to set up CAP CENTRES. Once the rural communities were equipped with
computers and Internet access, Industry Canada focused on what is
referred to as the "Digital Divide." This divide consists of people
who do not normally have Internet access, i.e. First Nations people,
seniors, second-language citizens, etc. CAP Centres in urban areas
were then opened to help reach these people. (http://capstats.ocl.net)
To find out more you can go to the CAP website at http://capstats.ocl.net.
About your local CAP site
The Fort Frances CAP site is located in the Public Library at 306 Church Street. Please note that we will be moving to our new location this spring. We can be reached at 274-9879 or 274-9870 or by email at msedgwick@fort-frances.com The Library Hours are Monday -Friday 9am to 9pm, saturday 10am-5pm and sunday from 1pm to 4pm.
The training offered by the CAP Student is based on their schedule but they are very flexable and will make arrangments to fit your schedule as well. One on one sessions are booked on anything computer related. If you have questions feel free to contact the CAP student directly at the Library. This years CAP student is Katie.
Some services we offer are free use of internet if you have a library card, or $2/hour. We also have the option of the express internet that is free of charge for 15 minutes. We ask that if you have never used the internet at the Library before that you read the Acceptable Use Policy and everytime you come in please sign up at the desk.
Printing is available for a minimun cost:
1-10 pages- 25cents/page
11-20 pages - 20cents/page
21-49 - .15cents/page
over 50 -.10cents/page.
Faxing is also available (274-4496):
to send a fax it is $4.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each page after that.
to recieve a fax it is $1.00 for the first page and .25cents for each page after that.
Rules and Policies of the CAP site
- when using the internet please follow the acceptable use policy available for view at the front desk at the library.
- If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment with the CAP student please call the library and leave a message.
- The CAP student will contact you if there is a need to cancel or change your appointment.
- Please be respectful of others while in the library and take all phone calls outside.
The Government of Canda provides funding for this initiative. 
Other Links:
http://museum.fort-frances.com/
http://sports.fort-frances.com/
http://fort-frances.com/townshend
updated February 11, 2010