Expanding Broadband Access in Brant County
June 11, 2020
Today, Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant and Belinda Karahalios, MPP for Cambridge, on behalf of Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, announced a major step in the expanding of broadband internet in Brant County with the Request for Proposals (RFP) by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. This program is part of the government’s commitment to expanding access to broadband internet in rural areas and makes way for up to $4.8 million in broadband infrastructure expansion.
“I know first-hand about the challenges of internet connectivity in rural Ontario” said Will Bouma, MPP Brantford-Brant. “I also know first hand Minister Hardeman’s tireless advocacy for fair broadband availability for the smaller towns and municipalities, many of whom feed Ontario. Our Community is looking forward to the faster, more reliable internet coverage”.
“Now, more than ever, we see how important access to fast and reliable internet is for individuals, families, and businesses,” said Belinda Karahalios, MPP for Cambridge. “Today’s announcement means a great deal for people in my riding and across Southwestern Ontario. Improved access to broadband is something I’ve been advocating for quite some time, and I want to thank Minister Hardeman for his and the provincial government’s commitment to bridging the gaps in access for our rural communities.”
“Without a doubt, this is a difficult time for all Canadians. Access to services, opportunities to connect in isolation and telework depend on access to high speed internet. That’s why our government’s investments to date are connecting a million households in Canada. SWIFT is one of hundreds of our partner organizations that are working hard to connect Canadians. We are proud of partnerships like these that allow for this work to move ahead,” said the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development.
“At a time when people have become more dependent than ever on broadband, having access to high-speed internet is critical,” said Allan Thompson, SWIFT Board Member and the Chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association. “SWIFT, together with our community leaders and local service providers, is committed to bringing Southwestern Ontario’s underserviced communities online and high-speed internet access to thousands. Today, as result of our public-private partnerships, SWIFT is proud to announce that many more homes and businesses in Brant County will soon have greater access to reliable internet services.”
“This is truly a good news story for residents and business owners in the County of Brant,” said Mayor David Bailey. “The internet has expanded the way we connect as a society. It can affect how we work, how we access news from around the world and how we connect with loved ones. It has become an important aspect of life for many people. Securing reliable broadband internet in the County of Brant will make a positive and significant impact on many people’s lives. We look forward to working with our partners to ensure this implementation is a success.”
The RFP for Brant County closes on October 30th. The contract will be awarded and service provider agreement put in place shortly after the RFP closes.
The Ontario government recognizes how important rural broadband access is for individuals, families and businesses. Work continues toward bridging the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario, as part of a combined $190 million investment to bring fast, reliable internet to thousands of homes and businesses.
Creating more ways to strengthen rural economies is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario together. Reliable and affordable broadband internet will allow communities to attract new development, strengthen local economies and create more well-paying jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario.
QUICK FACTS
As part of this investment, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to $4.8 million in broadband infrastructure was issued in Brant County.
SWIFT Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario that will support the critical expansion of broadband to underserved areas.
The Ontario government’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan is expected to generate up to $1 billion in total investment over five years, resulting in new connections for up to 220,000 homes and businesses. This will lead to community, social and economic benefits well beyond the provincial investment.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan
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For more information please contact MPP Will Bouma at 519-759-0361 or email at will.bouma@pc.ola.org