Ontario Construction News staff writer
Households and businesses in Oxford County stand to see improved internet access following a commitment by the Province to spend up to $8.2 million in broadband infrastructure.
It’s part of Queen’s Park’s combined $150 million investment to bolster internet access across Southwestern Ontario. On Monday, Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, announced that as part of this investment, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to $8.2 million in broadband infrastructure in Oxford County was to be issued that day.
“Having high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said the minister. “Far too many families and businesses in our community are frustrated because they don’t have a reliable internet connection. Our government’s investment will help connect them and create new opportunities.”
The RFP will be issued by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. The funding announcement builds on projects recently awarded in Norfolk, Lambton and Wellington.
“After successfully delivering positive results in our initial project regions, SWIFT is proud to be taking yet another step forward with the launch of a targeted broadband project dedicated to improving internet connectivity to the homes and businesses in Oxford County,” said David Mayberry, SWIFT Board Chair and Mayor of South-West Oxford.
The announcement marks the third phase of the SWIFT project. In total, the project will invest more than $190 million in expanding broadband in Ontario, with funding from federal, provincial and municipal governments.
“We applaud the federal and Ontario governments for helping to bring fast, reliable and affordable broadband infrastructure to Rural Ontario,” said Keith Currie, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “This investment will significantly benefit our farms, homes and businesses rural communities who increasingly need access to high-speed internet for their work and everyday lives.”