History of the Project
Most urban centers in North America have access to quality high-speed Internet connectivity. However, often in low-income pockets of these same cities there are neighbourhoods where residents cannot afford or have other barriers to accessing technology and Internet based resources. The North End of Winnipeg is one of those places. This project aims to identify specific needs and create local resources to overcome these “digital divides”. This project is a collective effort of several local community groups, technical experts, and researchers.
All participating groups share the belief that there is a problem with their client’s ability to access and safely utilize online resources and services and something needs to be done about it. Research shows that local community network projects can work to address both the technical and human constraints and even provide some local economic development along the way.
At this point, we are developing the stakeholders and refining the scope and goals of the project. As we discussed, local, trusted, rooted community groups are needed on the front end to help identify the problem(s), validate assumptions as to the root causes, and advocate for their clients in the development of the plan. These organizations will be those who first benefit from any products and/or services that this project develops by participating in pilot programs and research.
About The North End Connect Logo
The North End Connect project Commisioned renowned local Indigenous artist Leticia Spence to create a meaningful symbol to represent the project. The logo utilizes imagery from the Bell Tower on Selkirk Avenue surrounded by a star blanket pattern. The star blanket represents Sky Woman’s agreement with Grandmother Spider to come down and live upon the earth. They are often gifted to people to honour that person, show respect and admiration, and are a tradition built on generosity. The colour palette is rich, with deeper purples and a golden yellow to provide that contrast, highlighting the tower and the tips of the star blanket.
The bell, now in the Selkirk Tower, was first purchased in 1877 and served in Winnipeg’s Old Market Square and the City Hall nicknamed the “Gingerbread House” for its unique style. For over two decades it rang at noon time, fifteen minutes before stores closed, and fifteen minutes before school started. There were also special occasions such as when the funeral corteges of prominent citizens passed city hall on the way to or from the train station and when political figures died. The bell served as the first form of wireless communication in the city and is an important icon in its new home in the North End.
Intern Success Story
When Victoria Stevenson started volunteering with North End Connect, she didn’t know it would lead to a life-changing internship. A proud Red River Métis youth, she was introduced to the project by her mother, who also volunteers with NEC. Drawn in by the vision of community-owned internet access, hands-on learning, and tangible impact in Winnipeg’s North End, Victoria knew she wanted to do more.
“I just wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” she says. “And North End Connect is exactly that.”
Taking a gap before college, Victoria leaned into this opportunity to discover herself—and found more than she expected. She works out of the Computers for Schools Manitoba office daily, where she refurbishes donated desktops and laptops. Her responsibilities include cleaning and repairing equipment, installing hardware, configuring software, and running quality checks to ensure every device is fully functional before it reaches a family in need. She also tracks inventory and recycles unusable parts in an environmentally responsible way.
“I didn’t think I’d enjoy the technical parts so much—but I do. Learning about networking has been especially exciting. Joel, my supervisor, has taught me so much.”
Her genuine care for the community brought her here, and her energy landed her in a space where the team is supportive, knowledgeable, and led with heart. That mentorship and teamwork became a foundation for growth. Victoria also participates in weekly field visits to deliver computers to residents—people looking to reconnect with school, work, family, and community. It’s there, face-to-face, that the impact of her work truly sinks in.
“Seeing their joy and hearing later how the computers changed their lives—that’s when I knew this work matters.”
Now, with over 200 refurbished desktops under her belt, Victoria’s contribution is tangible—and her journey is only beginning. Inspired by what she’s learned, she sees a future where she continues to build skills, give back, and create meaningful change.
“It’s uplifting, inspirational, and motivational. I’d tell my younger self, ‘Just keep going—your life is going to change for the better.’”
From all of us at North End Connect, we want to say: Victoria, you are Authentic, Purpose-Driven and Adaptable Learner. Thank you for being part of our community.