Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Governments of Canada and Ontario have launched construction of broadband infrastructure that will deliver reliable internet access to nearly 4,000 homes and businesses across Grey County.
Both levels of government have each committed up to $5.3 million for seven projects expected to create more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of Southwestern Ontario through an improved, modern broadband network.
“The pandemic has emphasized the importance of expanding quality broadband to our rural and remote areas,” said Ernie Hardeman, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs.
“With more students studying remotely, and more people working from home, the internet has become an essential part of life for many people. It will help businesses expand and create new jobs, and connect more people to the resources, services and information they need.”
The first project to start construction is valued at $4.3 million and will deliver reliable internet access to more than 1,000 homes and businesses in Holstein, Varney, Orchardville, Maple Lane, Yeovil, Dromore, Tartan and Thistle. Construction is expected to be complete with service available by June of 2021.
Contracts to expand fibre-optic broadband services in Grey County were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.
“It’s very exciting to see the SWIFT projects in Bruce and Grey counties moving ahead. Access to broadband internet service is a game-changer for our rural communities as it will help attract new business, new jobs and families to our area,” said Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “It’s great to see this project starting in the Dromore area taking the next step and I look forward to more projects getting the shovel in the ground in the coming weeks.”
Reliable and affordable broadband internet will allow communities to attract new development, strengthen local economies and create more well-paying jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario.
The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing more than $63 million to SWIFT through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – Small Communities Fund of the Investing in Canada plan.
SWIFT Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario that will support the critical expansion of broadband to underserved areas.