Kaslo InfoNet
Information Page
The Kaslo infoNet Society (KiN) is a non-profit society formed in 1996 to build a community access network for Kaslo and its neighbouring communities. KiN is dedicated to achieving local access to global information and creating a presence for the community on the World Wide Web.
KIN Directors |
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What Do We Do?
In early 1997, Kaslo infoNet received a grant from Industry Canada making it an official Community Access Project (CAP) site. KiN provides the community with basic Internet services and hosts a server for other non-profit organizations in the community and surrounding area to post Web Pages. KiN is managed by a small group of hard-working volunteers from each of the partner organizations in the consortium.
Consortium Partners
All About KIN
Specifically, KiN endeavors to create a Web Server and electronic presence for Kaslo and Area, an e-mail server to provide access for partners and members, remote dial-in access and community access at local area facilities. Local organizations and members are invited to use the internet access and exposure provided by KiN for research and projects designed to enhance the economic stability of the local area.
Although access is not free of charge, it is designed to be available via membership fees to all area citizens. Ownership of a home computer system is not necessary as a local community access station supporting internet access has been established at the Kaslo & District Library. Site managers and volunteers can assist and provide training to individuals on internet access and e-mail.
SERVICES & FEES
| Website Hosting & Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| 12 Months of public access to web-site and updates | $100.78 |
| PST | 7.06 |
| GST | 7.06 |
| One $5.00 yearly membership for a total payable of... | $120.00 |
| Internet/E-Mail Accounts | |
|---|---|
| DIAL-UP PLAN "A" | |
| 3 Months including GST and PST | $31.00 |
| One $5.00 calendar year membership for a total payable of... | $36.00 |
| DIAL-UP PLAN "B" | |
| 12 Months including PST and GST | $115.00 |
| One $5.00/calendar year membership for a total payable of... | $120.00 |
| Memberships: |
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| Memberships with KiN are $5.00 / year. |
CONTACT
e-mail accounts@pop.kin.bc.ca
or contact Denis Saffran, (250) 353-7681
or write to:
KiN, Box 1081
Kaslo, BC
V0G 1M0
KIN Beginnings
In the early 1990s Kaslo and Area Economic Development Commission began to explore possibilities for library style internet access and improved telephone services for Kaslo. Darlene Borley (chair of the Telecommunications Subcommittee) and Joan Baer (Economic Development Chairperson) furthered this work.
Milt Stanley and a progressive group of teachers at JV Humphries School had formed a Computer Technology Committee in the early 1980s. During the design and construction of the new JV Humphries School facility (1990 - 1994), this committee gave high priority to building a local area network and providing Internet connectivity for the school. By 1995, JV Humphries School had full Internet connectivity through DESK (Distance Education School of the Kootenays) in Nelson.
By late 1995, the efforts of these various groups and community interests began to merge. Joan Baer met with Kas Angelski and Milt Stanley, beginning the research needed for connectivity for Kaslo through Industry Canada's Community Access Program funding.
Industry Canada sponsored a "how to qualify as a CAP community" workshop in Nelson June 1996. Darlene Borley attended representing Economic Development, Milt Stanley attended representing JV Humphries School and the fledgling community access group. A variety of sources succeeded in convincing BC Tel to upgrade Kaslo's telephone services and by May 1996 digital opportunities were a reality.
A Community Access Program proposal subcommittee was struck with Kas Angelski as chair. Many area groups and governments were approached and much community support was received. Kaslo Public Library (representative Rod Dunnett) joined as a KIN partner. Selkirk College (representatives Craig Andrews, Eric Moon and Ruth Thomson), JV Humphries School (representatives Kas Angelski and Milt Stanley), and DESK (representative Bob McLure) confirmed their support, creating a partnership sponsoring three community access sites.
Community Futures (representative Darlene Borley), Economic Development (representative Janice Williams), North Kootenay Lake Tourism (representative Joan Baer), Village of Kaslo (representative Al Beix), Kevin Sawczuk (student representative) and Selkirk College (representatives Ruth Thomson and Eric Moon) contributed to the application process with significant portions being submitted by Milt Stanley and Kas Angelski, and final composition by Janice Williams. In 1997, KIN received $30,000 from Industry Canada to establish a Community Access Program.
Where We Are Now
Kaslo infoNet runs a Web Server and E-Mail Server. The Kaslo & District Library now holds two computer stations for public internet access. During the summer, KiN workers are available at the library to provide assistance and tutorials on internet use. Every year through CAP and HRDC funding, KiN hires a youth crew to create new pages and update the site. One past summer project was the creation of an on-line version of the Kaslo and Area Community Economic Profile. KiN serves sites for about 20 local organizations and offers ongoing work experience opportunities to youth.
Kaslo infoNet Box 1081 Kaslo, B.C. Canada V0G 1M0 |
Updated on November 13, 2001 ContactWebmaster |