TORONTO — The Ontario government announced today an additional investment of almost $1.5 million through its Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program that will bring high-speed Internet access to more than 900 homes and businesses in four towns located across the province.
The four communities included in the funding announcement are Rideau Lakes (located between Kingston and Ottawa), Lucan Biddulph (north of London), and Saugeen Shores and Kincardine (both in Bruce County).
According to a backgrounder, the project details are as follows:
- Rideau Lakes (two projects): up to $97,730 in provincial funding to connect up to 513 homes and businesses
- Lucan Biddulph: up to $307,327 to connect up to 104 homes/businesses
- Saugeen Shores and Kincardine: up to $1.1 million to connect up to 295 homes/businesses
The announcement did not say which Internet service providers are receiving funding to undertake the broadband projects and the government did not respond to Cartt.ca’s request for information before deadline*.
This funding is on top of the $14.7 million investment the Ontario government announced in July for 13 new rural broadband projects, also being funded through the ICON program that was originally launched in June 2020.
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*A spokesperson for the Ontario government informed Cartt.ca on Oct. 26 more information will be made available in the coming weeks.
