VANCOUVER – Over 150 communities along the entire British Columbia coast will receive improved high-speed Internet thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of just over $45 million.
The funding was announced Wednesday by Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, on behalf of ISED minister Navdeep Bains. Of the 154 communities, 44 First Nations will benefit.
According to the announcement, $45.4 million will be invested in coastal British Columbia, with $22 million coming from the federal government’s Connect to Innovate program; $12 million from Indigenous Services Canada; and $11.4 million from the Government of British Columbia, through the Connecting British Columbia program.
“Broadband Internet is critical to ensuring quick and reliable access to educational resources, economic development opportunities and telehealth services”, said Minister Philpott, in the announcement. “The federal government is proud to partner with the Province, First Nations, local communities and the private sector to bring high-speed Internet to unserved and underserved communities, including 44 First Nations, in British Columbia.”
CityWest will receive $9.3 million from the federal government and $3.1 million from the Government of British Columbia to improve high speed Internet service for 23 communities and 97 institutions. The company is also part of a partnership that will be responsible for a new subsea fibre optic cable that will connect communities between Prince Rupert and Vancouver, as well as around Vancouver Island. The the total length of the cable, both undersea and underground, will stretch over 3.4 million metres.
“We have received tremendous support from all levels of government, including from First Nations communities, businesses, and community organizations all along the coast,” said CityWest sales & project management VP Donovan Dias, in a company statement. “In total, we received over 60 letters of support in very quick fashion. This level of interest illustrates the importance of this infrastructure project.”
CityWest added that the project is set to start early this year with more detailed studies and engagement, and that it is anticipated to take 3-4 years to complete with phased construction.
The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) offered its congratulations to CityWest, a CCSA member, on being named as a recipient of government funding to help extend broadband internet services in British Columbia.
"CCSA is committed to ensuring that high speed internet and broadband connectivity is considered an essential service across Canada, and we are particularly proud of the fact that one of our members, CityWest Cable and Telephone, was selected as one of the organizations to receive funding for this important project", said CCSA CEO Jay Thomson, in a statement. "Smaller, locally-based companies are ideally positioned to help implement broadband funding programs. They have the expertise and they are already in these communities. They have the existing networks and understand the local conditions, challenges and needs, and they know how to stretch a dollar to achieve the most benefits for their customers."
In addition, Strathcona Regional District will receive $24.6 million from the federal government and $8.4 million from the Government of British Columbia to improve high speed Internet service for 131 communities and 63 institutions.
Photo of Minister Philpott, pictured left, at Wednesday’s annoucement via Twitter
