TORONTO – As part of the Ontario government’s plan to build Ontario and its commitment to connect every community to high speed internet by the end of 2025, construction is underway on a new infrastructure network in Middlesex County. This $2.56 million project will soon provide more than 450 homes, farms and businesses in Putnam, Crampton, Avon, Mossley, Harrietsville and Gladstone, with access to high-speed internet services by September 2022.
The project will help ensure that farms and businesses will have the ability to attract new customers, grow their business, create new jobs and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace. It will also help people connect with family, friends and their communities in easier and faster ways than before.
The expanded fibre-optic service is supported by the Governments of Canada and Ontario, each committing up to $604,000. The contracts to expand broadband services were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation, initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.
“With more people working from home, learning online, operating their businesses remotely, and connecting virtually with friends and family, the importance of high-speed internet has never been more important,” said Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Through this investment, more than 450 households and businesses in Middlesex County will now be able to benefit from a reliable internet connection.”
“Our government made access to high speed internet a major priority for rural Ontario, and we are delivering on that commitment,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. “The pandemic really showed us the importance of being connected to high-speed broadband. Families and businesses in these communities and throughout rural Ontario need these services to do their work - whether it’s schoolwork of running a business. This is the type of critical infrastructure that benefits the entire community.”
More than $255 million has been invested by the Governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector, to bring high-speed internet to more than 58,000 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario through SWIFT.
“This announcement is incredible and timely news for the residents of Putnam, Crampton, Avon, Mossley, Harrietsville, and Gladstone,” said Jeff Yurek, MPP for Elgin – Middlesex – London. “I am thrilled to finally see the delivery of reliable broadband to the back concessions of our community.”
“Increasing access to high-speed internet is essential to supporting the social and economic development of our small and rural communities. SWIFT, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, is committed to expanding high-speed internet service throughout Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “With construction of the high-speed fibre-optic network now underway more the 450 underserved homes and businesses within the Municipality of Thames Centre will soon benefit from having equitable access to fast, reliable connectivity.”
Source : Ontario