Vision Statements
- The Chebucto Community Net is a volunteer organization which
strives to enable all people in the Greater Halifax Region to
participate in an electronic public space.
- Chebucto Community Net's goal is to assist users to gather and
share information, to participate in exchanges and dialogue
that enrich their lives and their community.
A Brief History of the Chebucto Community Net
In the summer of 1993, several individuals began meeting at the
Halifax Library with the intent to form a community network in the
area. The idea was to provide free access to the Internet, promote
freedom of ideas and communication on the Internet and
encourage individuals and community groups to use the Internet as
a vehicle for personal and community development.
Early in the fall of 1993, the project divided, one project being
the on-going creation of Community Net organizing committees
throughout the province of Nova Scotia, the other focusing on the
creation of a prototype serving the local calling area in the HRM.
Originally called the Chebucto FreeNet, and operating on a Sparc 2
generously loaned by Dalhousie University, Chebucto began
operating as a text-based host in late October 1993. The name "Chebucto"
comes from the Mi'kmaq word meaning "Chief Harbour".
Eastern Canada's oldest running independent Internet Service Provider,
on June 16, 1994, our name was changed to Chebucto Community Net (CCN), which
better reflects our focus.
On June 7, 2013 we completed the first phase of our Manors Project, a
bold plan to provide highspeed wireless Internet access to public-run
low-income seniors housing. Joseph Howe Manor and H.P. MacKeen Manor
became the first examples of non-profit home highspeed Internet access in
Eastern Canada and the first multi-dwelling residences in the Maritimes
with full ubiquitous wifi access. We are presently seeking support to
bring this unique access to more Metro-area Manors.
In addition to our wireless service, we provide affordable 56K dialup
Internet access.
Chebucto Community Net also supports a basic text-based terminal
access to the Internet available for no charge at all so virtually
all people with computers able to dial a phone can
have email and internet access, even those with old no longer supported
computers.
Chebucto Community Net provides a home for the websites of dozens of
community groups, information resources, neighbourhood organizations and
small businesses. A wealth of communication tools are provided at low cost
with fees for smaller non-profit groups waived completely. Community
groups with no paid staff and an annual budget of less than $1000 can have
hosting and email for no charge.
Chebucto Community Net is an Associate (non-voting) Member of ACORN-NS, the Atlantic Canada
Organization of Research Networks - Nova Scotia.
The Key Players
The Key Players are some of the many people whose volunteer time keep Chebucto "on the air".
Their names and
what they do.
The Chebucto Board
The Chebucto Board of Directors are the group tasked with running the Chebucto Community Net
Society.
Their names and what they do (including meeting minutes)..
Annual General Meetings
Reports of Annual General Meetings of the Chebucto Community Net Society
can be found here.
The Chebucto Committees
The Chebucto Committees, comprised of volunteers, run the different parts of Chebucto.
Policy Committee
Technical Committee
Other supporters of the Chebucto Community Net:
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the many institutions, organizations, companies, and
individuals who have freely contributed time and resources to the establishment and continuing
operations of the Chebucto Community Net.
Dalhousie University Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Assisting Chebucto since 1994, the Department of Mathematics and
Statistics provides a location for the host computer system, loaned
equipment and made available the time of its systems staff
for support and software development. The Department also
provides an an office space for the administrative support of Chebucto.
Dalhousie University Computing and Information Services
Dalhousie UCIS provides network connectivity to Chebucto Community Net,
offers network support and has donated equipment to Chebucto.
Dalhousie University Faculty of Computer Science
The Faculty of Computer Science has assisted Chebucto in providing capable
university co-op students who have worked in the development of further
technical enhancements at Chebucto.
Halifax Regional
Library
The Halifax Regional Library provided much support to Chebucto Community
Net during its early years with organizational support, training
and space for public access terminals.
N.S. Department of Technology & Science Secretariat
The Department partnered with Chebucto in the development
and implementation of online public access in the HRM community through
the UrbanCAP program.
Human Resources and Development Canada
HRDC partnered with Chebucto in the development of IT training
opportunities for co-op university students and summer work programs for
high school students.
Industry Canada
Industry Canada provided funding for the development and implementation
of the CSuite software which allows community nets
to access resources and develop community networking capabilities.
Volunteering with Chebucto
We're always looking for people to help out. If you like what you've seen and want to pitch in,
please do!
Chebucto welcomes donations, too!
Chebucto Community Net is a registered charitable society. Memberships
are not tax deductible, but donations are. Donations go towards ensuring
superior online access services to all our members, assisting community
groups with training and support and providing sufficient office support
to carry out various administrative functions. Your support is greatly
appreciated. Our Charity Registration number is: #BN 87287 9697 RR0001 .
Donations can also be added above and beyond your service fees or
membership fee or mailed separately to:
Chebucto Community Net
PO Box 9253 CSC
Halifax, N.S.
Canada
B3K 5M8
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca
officechebucto.ns.ca / Phone: (902) 494-2449
Canada Revenue Agency
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities