Yonge-Dundas hotspot named #1 by Now Magazine

Wireless Toronto get a mention in this week’s Now Magazine, in the Best of Toronto: Tech piece.

In July, not-for-profit group Wireless Toronto helped give the public a new reason to visit the square. Over the summer a steady flow of laptop users began occupying tables and other corners of the big granite slab. The free WiFi service is giving people something to do other than stare at the advertising or run through the fountains while they take their lunch break and soak up the summer sun.

It’s really great to get this recognition in Now. And they’re not wrong about the steady flow of laptop users in the Square either. I just checked the stats and 850 people have signed up from Y-D Square since we launched there, under four months ago. That’s pretty impressive.

Newest hotspot, Mini Bar

Mini Bar mapThe Mini Bar is at 107 Mutual Street, just a few blocks East of our recently opened Dundas Square hotspot.

I haven’t been to the Mini Bar yet, but it sounds like a cool place. I found a review on The Martini Boys website, and they seem to like it:

And mini it is; small, charming, sophisticated. In what seems like in the middle of nowhere, the unique little martini bar and patio takes over the previously unused space behind Mutual Street Deli.

This is one of several new hotspots we’ve added to the Wireless Toronto network recently. You can always check out our full network on the WT map.

HotSquare (Yonge-Dundas)

Don’t have airconditioning? Hate being cooped up at home, tied down by your need for a reliable internet connection, while the city and outdoors beckon?

Well, quit your whining, grab your laptop, and get outside!  As many of you know, you can alreay enjoy free wi-fi at Dufferin Grove Park and St. Lawrence Market. 

There’s now another (somewhat more central) location to choose from – Yonge-Dundas Square!  The “official” launch of the hotspot is in July, but the wireless network is up and running (for testing, but it seems fine), as of today. 

Cool down at one of the tables by the water fountains,  watch the tourists bustle around the Eaton Centre, or bring your laptop to Google factoids about The Blob or The Birds while you take in the Square’s (Tuesday) City Cinema nights.

Dufferin Grove launch

Dufferin Grove Park launchDon’t forget, Wireless Toronto is launching it’s first outdoor hotspot this weekend, at Dufferin Grove Park (map).

A bunch of volunteers will be hanging out in the park Saturday and Sunday, so why not come by for a chat and see what’s going on. More details on upcoming.org.

To find us just look for the orange balloons. Today (Saturday) we’re down near the children’s playground at the south end of the park, Sunday we’ll probably be near the pizza oven at the North end.

As a special bonus offer, Sunday is Pizza Day in the park, so you can drop by, pay a couple of bucks for ingredients and have fresh baked pizza for lunch.

Note: We’re going to set up on Sunday at the south end of the park, near the playground, again. Though I’m sure regular visits to the pizza oven wil be scheduled.

Free WiFi in Dufferin Grove Park, just in time for good weather

We’ve been working on this for a while, but this is our official announcement. Wireless Toronto are installing a free hotspot in Dufferin Grove Park (map) with the launch scheduled for the weekend of May 27th, 28th

We’ve been working closely the Friends of Dufferin Grove Park and the generous sponsors of the Dufferin Grove hotspot, Kijiji.ca ‘your free, local, community classified ads website’.

There’s going to be lots of fun stuff going on the launch weekend and Wireless Toronto and Kijiji people will be in the park to talk to you about what we’re up to. Hope to see you there.

Dufferin Grove WiFi flyer

WT in the Junction (Axis Gallery and Grill)

We’ve added another new hotspot at the Axis Gallery and Grill, 3048 Dundas St. West (at High Park Ave.) It’s a really great spot, a genuine neighborhood hub. A lovely patio too, which will be perfect for some sunny summer surfing.

Located in the new art district and historic Junction neighbourhood, Axis Gallery and Grill has warm ambiance, friendly staff, great food and rockin’ live music.

I also spotted some interesting local art on the walls, and their weekly open mic “jam” seems fun. Since this spot is in my neck of the woods, I went to help (does holding cables count?) Michael do part of the install. It was the first one I’ve been to, and it was pretty straightforward: take “flashed” router, find a good spot to position/house it, test signal range, and voila – free WiFi. Amazing.