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Government invests $1.7 million into high-speed internet access for rural Simcoe

November 25, 2022   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The federal and provincial governments are investing more than $1.7 million to bring high-speed internet access to rural areas in Simcoe County.

The project will provide 1,645 families, farms, and businesses with the ability to access a reliable internet connection.

This will bring Ontario one step closer to delivering on its goal of connecting every community with high-speed internet access by the end of 2025. The move is seen as laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.

In partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, the completion of construction of broadband infrastructure is now providing access to fast, reliable high-speed internet service to more than 430 families, farms and businesses in the community of New Lowell, as well as 1,215 families, farms and businesses in the communities of Penville, Rich Hill, Connor, Hockley Valley and Rosemont.

An announcement about the project was delivered at the Royal Canadian Legion New Lowell on Friday, Nov. 18.

“I am proud that our government continues to deliver on our commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to rural communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Providing access to high-speed internet in Simcoe County will help build Ontario and strengthen our important rural communities by helping people stay in touch with loved ones, enabling them to access the supports while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

The contracts to increase access to high-speed internet in Simcoe County were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation, initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. 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.

“I thank Minister Thompson and the Ontario Government for showing great leadership and prioritizing critical infrastructure like enhanced internet services to support rural communities,” said Simcoe–Grey MPP Brian Saunderson. “Our residents and businesses will see great benefits from improved internet access, and I will keep working to ensure high-speed internet service is available to every corner of Simcoe-Grey.”

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