HURON COUNTY, Ont. – The Ontario government announced today construction is underway on three projects that will bring broadband Internet to communities in Huron County including Porter’s Hill, Sunshine, Thames Road, Lumley and Hurondale.
“This $5 million initiative to build three new infrastructure networks in Huron County will help ensure that farms and businesses in these communities will have the ability to attract new customers, grow their business, create new jobs and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace,” a Government of Ontario press release says.
“Families in these communities will also be able to have confidence in knowing that connectivity will be available when they need it whether its to access services, renew their driver’s licence, shop online, do homework or work from home.”
The projects are part of the Ontario government’s plan to connect all communities in the province to broadband Internet by 2025.
The Governments of Ontario and Canada have each contributed $1.2 million in funding for the three projects combined. The contracts for the expansions, which were announced in April, were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT).
According to SWIFT’s list of approved projects, Tuckersmith Communications was awarded the contracts for two of the three projects.
The first one, in Porter’s Hill will connect 235 homes and businesses. The project, which is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2023, has a value of $1.9 million. The government contribution through SWIFT is $723,825.
Tuckersmith Communications’ second project is in Sunshine and will connect 47 homes and businesses. The projected value is $384,513 and the government contribution is $124,513. The project is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2022.
The third project was awarded to Hay Communications. It will connect 234 homes and businesses in Thames Road, Lumley and Hurondale. The project is valued at $2.7 million and the government contribution is $1.5 million. The project is expected to be completed by March 13, 2022.
“Reliable connectivity is essential to supporting the social and economic growth of small and rural communities throughout Southwestern Ontario” said Barry Field, executive director of SWIFT, in a separate press release from the organization.
“With work underway to expand broadband service in Huron County, we are proud to partner with local internet service providers to further ensure that many more residents will soon benefit from having greater access to fast, reliable high-speed internet.”
