Rural Ontarians benefitting from increased access to broadband services
ELGIN COUNTY – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing over $4 million to bring reliable high-speed internet to 1,567 families, farms, and businesses in Elgin County. “Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to prosper in our increasingly digital world,” said Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Elgin County that can now connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”
The federal and provincial governments have partnered with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. to provide residents in the communities of Corinth, North Hall, Iona, Iona Station, Lawrence Station, Southwold, Tyrconnell, Duttona Beach, New Glasgow, Port Glasgow, and Churchville with access to broadband infrastructure that will enable high-speed internet service.
“Ontario continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By building new broadband infrastructure in Elgin County, we’re helping to build Ontario and strengthen rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, enabling them to access the supports they need while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
This announcement marks the completion of three more projects under SWIFT and builds on the Ontario government’s plan to get the right infrastructure in the right places – ensuring people can live, work and farm where they want.
“By prioritizing access to high-speed internet in rural communities throughout Elgin-Middlesex-London, our government is paving the way for additional growth and economic prosperity,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Broadband infrastructure is another welcome investment in our riding that will greatly benefit rural residents with increased connectivity.” The contracts to expand broadband services in Elgin County were awarded by SWIFT, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.
“The completion of these three high-speed broadband projects in Elgin County will positively impact our region by continuing to fuel economic growth and innovation,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “By expanding critical broadband infrastructure across Southwestern Ontario, we are providing many more residents and businesses with access to essential online tools and resources. We thank the governments of Ontario and Canada for their ongoing support as we continue our efforts to increase access to high-speed connectivity throughout the region.”
More than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector to bring high-speed internet access to more than 63,000 homes and businesses in Southwestern Ontario through SWIFT by the end of 2023.