WYOMING, ON – The Region of Waterloo has joined the SouthWestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Network as a full partner, contributing $2.2 million in funding towards its plan to build an open-access, ultra-high-speed fibre-optic regional broadband network in southwestern Ontario and Niagara Region.
This partnership follows $180 million in combined investments by the federal and provincial governments and over five years of committed collaboration and investment by 18 municipalities. Partnership with the Region of Waterloo now means that more than 4 million Ontarians will be connected by modern Internet infrastructure under the SWIFT initiative.
“We have experienced firsthand the incredible opportunities created by technology here in the Region of Waterloo and we know that residents, business and industries rely on broadband in today’s fast-paced connected world,” said Region of Waterloo regional chair Ken Seiling, in the announcement. “Supporting SWIFT makes sense for ensuring the current and future vitality of our communities and economy and ensures that everyone across the Region will have better access. We look forward to working with our partners at SWIFT as we pursue an innovative, sustainable, and prosperous future for the entire Region.”
“Ultra-high speed Internet connectivity is vital to economic development and quality of life in our communities and the Region of Waterloo is an important hub of technological innovation not only regionally in Southwestern Ontario, but also for Canada and North America,” added SWIFT board chair Gerry Marshall. “Having the Region of Waterloo join SWIFT as a full member before we begin our official procurement process on May 12th underscores the importance of this initiative as we work to connect everyone who lives, works, and plays in Western Ontario and Niagara Region.”
In addition to leadership from the county members of the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus and investment from the federal and provincial governments, the Region of Niagara, Town of Caledon, and City of Orillia are also supporting the project. Non-municipal members include Grey Bruce Health Services, Georgian College, and the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation. First Nations supporters include the Southern First Nations Secretariat, the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation.
