Huron, Grey and Bruce counties receive new broadband funding
Another 3,000 homes and businesses in southwest Ontario are one step closer to accessing broadband internet services thanks to a recent series of funding announcements from the federal and provincial governments.
The governments announced more than $8 million in funding for construction of projects in Huron, Grey and Bruce counites last week.
The projects in Huron County have been allocated $4.8 million. The networks are expected to be up and running with service to start in February 2022. The projects are valued at $15 million and will deliver broadband internet service to more than 1,850 homes and businesses in underserved areas of the community.
"The construction of broadband infrastructure in Huron County will help businesses to expand, help create new job opportunities and connect more people to the services and information they need," said Rural Affairs Minister Ernie Hardeman. "Our government recognizes the importance of expanding broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas and we're making it happen."
Meanwhile, projects in Grey and Bruce counties will received $3.6 million in funding. The money will be used to upgrade facilities for more than 1,200 homes and businesses.
Construction of the first infrastructure network in the communities of Habermehl, Crawford, Mulock, Allan Park and Vickers is expected to be up and running with service starting in August 2021. The project is valued at $3.8 million.
Construction of additional broadband infrastructure is also underway in Bognor with service starting in December 2022. That project is valued at $177,000. A third project, to build in the communities of Tolmie and Skipness, is expected to be up and running in December 2022. That work is valued at $1.5 million.
"This pandemic has made us all realize the importance of having reliable broadband internet services. Whether you're working from home, doing your schoolwork, or communicating with loved ones, reliable broadband internet is vital," said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker. "I'm thrilled to see the SWIFT program continuing its progress to improve services in our rural communities. This is great news and I look forward to SWIFT continuing this important work."
All contracts were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. To date, more than 3,000 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario have received access to improved broadband through SWIFT.
"We are pleased to announce that shovels are in the ground and construction is now underway in Bruce County and work continues to move forward in Grey County to improve access to broadband services," said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. "SWIFT, in partnership with the Governments of Ontario and Canada, has awarded in total more than $33 million in contracts to expand broadband service to nearly 9,200 homes and businesses across the counties of Grey and Bruce, and $15 million in contracts for projects throughout Huron County.”