The provincial government announced its plans on Friday (March 26) to bring high-speed Internet access to more households in BC’s coastal communities through a series of infrastructure investments.
The $ 45.4 million Connected Coast project is part of BC’s recovery plan, which was allocated $ 90 million in September. It will connect 139 communities – 48 of which are rural and indigenous – to the fast and reliable internet.
Construction of the infrastructure is slated to begin this summer, Citizen Services Minister Lisa Beare said during Zoom’s press conference.
As part of the project, Internet service provider CityWest will connect communities with an underwater fiber optic network that runs from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii, the Sunshine Coast and around Vancouver Island.
Residents on Cortes Island, Bella Coola, Skidegate, Zeballos, and Quadra Island are included.
Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest, said: “Connectivity is critical to fuel the growth of the digital economy and to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The company is receiving an additional $ 10 million to improve connectivity for more than 2,800 homes in Whaletown, Granite Bay and 4 miles, as well as communities in Haida Nation, Nuxalk Nation, Ehattesaht First Nation, and Klahoose First Nation.
Coastal First Nations Director Christine Smith-Martin said the project will “bridge the digital divide” and “be an important step in BC’s commitment to real and lasting reconciliation” with the First Nations people.
“Once the fiber is in place, it will help people with the business opportunities and download speeds they need for the future,” added Michelle Babchuk, North Island MLA.
In September CityWest and the Strathcona Regional District signed a joint venture agreement to manage the Connected Coast project.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
sarah.grochowski@bpdigital.ca
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