The federal and provincial governments have signed contracts for the construction of three broadband-infrastructure projects in southwestern Ontario valued at more than $12 million.

The first project, in Brant County, sees the federal and provincial governments each commit up to $1.6 million for the expansion of broadband infrastructure to more than 2,400 homes and businesses.

Construction of the infrastructure network is expected to be up and running with full service available by August of 2022. This project is valued at $9.4 million and will deliver better internet technology to homes and businesses in Harrisburg, Harley, Fairfield Plain, Burtch, Newport, Onondaga, Middleport and within Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation community. 

"Today's important investment will bring high-speed internet to nearly 2,465 homes and businesses in Brant County," said Cambridge MP Bryan May. "Work is now underway, and once completed, residents will be able to access many key services for work school and entertainment. Our local partnerships are key to getting this project completed."

Two other projects were funded for construction in Caledon. The federal and provincial governments have each committed $1.1 million to those projects.

The first project is valued at $1.9 million and will improve internet access for more than 375 homes and businesses in the community of Mount Wolfe. Construction of the infrastructure is expected to be complete by December.

The second project is valued at $2.5 million and will deliver reliable internet access to 471 homes and businesses in the communities of Albion and Centreville Creek. Construction of that project is expected to be complete by March 2022.

"At a time when people are depending more on broadband and having access to high-speed internet, I am pleased to see the construction phase begin in Caledon," said Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones. "Our government is committed to expanding broadband internet access and these two projects getting started will increase access to reliable internet services for many households in our community."

The contracts for all three projects were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.

"We are pleased to announce that shovels are in the ground and construction is now underway in Caledon to improve access to broadband services," said David Mayberry, chair of the SWIFT board. "With the support of the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and in partnership with our municipal leaders we continue to work together to deliver long-term sustainable broadband solutions to further support our rural communities in Southwestern Ontario."