Netflix plans ‘download zones’ in Ontario cottage country for summer long weekends

TORONTO –Netflix is giving Ontario cottage country dwellers an entertainment fix over holiday weekends this summer.

The streaming video operator says it’s opening several temporary “download zones” that allow viewers to refill their mobile devices with fresh TV series and films.

It begins this weekend with a Wi-Fi hotspot at Bass Pro Shop at Vaughan Mills on Friday and the Farmers Market in Collingwood, Ont., both Saturday and Sunday.

A spokeswoman for Netflix says employees will be on-site to guide users through the steps.

Streaming companies have been expanding their downloadable content as more subscribers watch entertainment while in transit.

Restrictive mobile data plans have made it costly for most Canadians to stream on the road.

Netflix began letting users download a limited selection of its TV and films last November.

Other streaming video services such as Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla, which is used by some of Canada’s public libraries, also make content downloadable onto phones and tablets.

Netflix says it will operate “download zones” at various Ontario cottage country locations on every holiday weekend until Labour Day.