The Ford government is following through on a commitment to improve broadband service in northern Ontario.
The province has announced $10.9 million in spending for several local communities.
Projects include:
-Build infrastructure that brings high-speed broadband to more areas in Chisholm, Marathon, Terrace Bay, rural Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge
-Construct a new 22-kilometre fibre network that brings high-speed broadband to Seine River First Nation, Couchiching First Nation, Rainy River First Nations, Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation and Big Grassy First Nation
-Upgrade the speed and capacity of the K-Net network, owned by Keewaytinook Okimakanak and which serves more than 80 First Nation communities, while supporting future upgrades
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says efficient and modern broadband infrastructure is critical to advancing economic recovery and development in the north.
The Minister of Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs adds the investment is an important step forward to ensure local communities have access to remote education, skills training, and business opportunities.
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli says reliable broadband service is certainly needed for life in the 21st century and the investment is a step towards making broadband improvements for rural businesses, families and individuals.
Fedeli says now more than ever, local residents are relying on internet to access services, working from home and connecting with their loved ones.
