Vancouver Community Network Explained

Vancouver Community Network
Founder:	Brian Campbell^[1]
Founding Location:	Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Type:	Nonprofit organization
Location:	Woodward's Heritage Building, Suite 280-111, West Hastings, Vancouver, BC
Services:	Internet access Technical support Web hosting service
Key People:	Tracey Axelsson, Executive Director^[2]

Vancouver Community Network (VCN) is a community-owned provider of free internet access, technical support, and web hosting services to individuals and nonprofit organizations in Vancouver, British Columbia.

It developed StreetMessenger, a communication service for the homeless.^[3]

History

The organization was founded as Vancouver FreeNet by Brian Campbell and others.^[1]

Revenue Canada initially rejected VCN's application status as a charitable organization, which would have allowed it to receive tax-deductible contributions. VCN appealed this decision, and in 1997, the Federal Court of Appeal ruled that providing free internet service was a charitable tax purpose.^{[4] [5] [6] [7]}

See also

• Chebucto Community Network
• Free-Net
• Wireless community network
• Community informatics
• National Capital Freenet

Notes and References

1. News: Free speech advocate and long-time Vancouver library employee Brian Campbell dies . Charlie . Smith . . January 17, 2017.
2. News: Home of Downtown Eastside harm-reduction kiosk in question after Friday police raid . Perrin . Grauer . . September 16, 2018.
3. News: 'Being a refugee is a circumstance, it's not a choice' . Denise . Ryan . . June 20, 2018.
4. Book: Internet . . November 11, 1997.
5. Book: Hutchinson . Allan C. . Interpreting Censorship in Canada . Petersen . Klaus . . 978-0-8020-8026-4 . January 1, 1999.
6. Web site: Legal Developments . . October 1, 1996.
7. Web site: Full Text of Judgement Indexed as: Vancouver Regional FreeNet Assn. v. Canada (Minister of National Revenue – M.N.R.) Between Vancouver Regional FreeNet Association, appellant, and Minister of National Revenue, respondent [1996] F.C.J. No. 914 Court File No. A-413-94 ]. www2.vcn.bc.ca.