Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker is pleased that more than 1,200 homes and businesses of Grey and Bruce counties are one step closer to fast, reliable internet access with the beginning of construction for multiple new local broadband infrastructure projects.
The governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed up to $1.8 million to create more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of both counties through improved, modern broadband networks.
The contracts to expand fibre-optic broadband services in Grey and Bruce counties 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.
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. This project is valued at $3.8 million andlease will deliver reliable internet access to more homes and businesses in underserved areas of Grey County. Construction of additional broadband infrastructure is also underway in the community of Bognor, expected to be up and running with service starting in December 2022, valued at $177,000 and in the communities of Tolmie and Skipness, where service is expected by December 2022, 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."
source: media release, Bill Walker MPP
