The federal government is spending $5.5 million to help three Ontario companies deliver broadband Internet access to more than 4,000 homes in the northern part of the province.
Conservative Public Safety Minister Vic Toews on Friday announced that Galaxy Broadband Communications, Spectrum Telecom Group Ltd./Blue Sky Economic Growth Corp and TBayTel/Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre have been conditionally approved for funding through the federal government’s Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians program.
The province will also kick in $2.8 million, their share of the project.
“As you know, there are many part of rural and northern Canada that are not serviced by broadband Internet. We think that it’s very important that that service is provided to those communities and to those homes so they have the same types of business opportunities that you have in larger urban centres,” said Toews, who made the announcement on behalf of Ministry of Industry Tony Clement, who was unavailable on Friday.
He added that by doing so it will put all Canadians on an even playing field, helping to keep people in their communities but still able to take advantage of things like distance education programs, telehealth and everything else an Internet connection has to offer.
Local communities benefiting include Oliver-Paipoonge, Neebing, Shuniah and the Fort William First Nation. Nipissing, Chisholm, Shawanaga, Bell Lake and Cochrane District are some of the other Northern Ontario communities that will see upgrades.
Toews said there are more projects under consideration under the program, which received $225 million under Canada’s Action Plan for the development and implementation of a nationwide broadband strategy.
“I know that all the money has not been spent, and in speaking with the parliamentary officials, I understand there is some more consideration being given to another project (but) I don’t want to announce anything ahead of its time,” he said. “But gradually we’re seeing the expansion of Internet broadband right across rural and northern Canada, so that they can enjoy the economic advantages that other areas do.”
Provincial Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Michael Gravelle called it a good news day for the North.
“These investments will significantly enhance the quality of life for thousands of residents and open the door to new business and public services,” Gravelle said in a release issued by Industry Canada. “I look forward to announcing more specific details of our funding partnership in the near future.”
Toews said he expects the infrastructure work will get under way within the next year.
