The federal and provincial governments have announced that they are investing nearly $280-thousand to provide faster internet to families, farms, and businesses in Middlesex county.
Both governments have partnered with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology Inc., a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.
SWIFT now says that the communities have the broadband infrastructure in place to enable access to high-speed internet services.
“High-speed internet access opens up a world of possibilities, transforming the way we learn, work, and connect with one another,” says Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair.
“Through collaborative efforts with local partners and government support, SWIFT continues to make strong strides in advancing the expansion of broadband infrastructure across Southwestern Ontario, empowering communities, fostering economic growth and innovation.”
More than $255 million has been invested so far by the two governments along with groups in the private sector, bringing high-speed internet access to more than 63,000 homes and businesses in Southwestern Ontario by the end of 2023.
“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to prosper in our increasingly digital world,” says Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal MP for London-North-Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue.
(Credit: Middlesex County, Esri, OpenStreetMap contributors)
A map depicting broadband coverage across South-Western Ontario.
“Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Middlesex County that can now connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”
The two governments are each contributing more than $63 million to SWIFT through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component Small Communities Fund.
With that, the Ontario government is investing nearly $4-billion to bring high-speed internet access across the province by the end of 2025, with it being the largest single investment in high-speed internet in Canadian history.
“Our government continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” says Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“By building new broadband infrastructure in Middlesex County, we’re helping to build Ontario and strengthen rural communities.”
Thompson went on to talk about the importance of fast internet for Ontario families, saying that the investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones as well as providing a boost to the local economy.
With this, Ontario has launched a new interactive online map that shows where provincially funded high-speed internet projects are planned, currently underway, or have been recently completed in communities across the province.
“No matter where you live in southwestern Ontario, you should have the confidence you’ll have access to fast, reliable high-speed internet,” says Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“Today’s investment brings us closer to ensuring every family and business in our community can stay connected to the people and things that matter most.”
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