Canada and Ontario Increasing Access to High-Speed Internet Service in Wellington County

Investment in High-Speed Internet

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The governments of Canada and Ontario have jointly invested over $4.4 million to provide reliable high-speed internet to 1,771 families, farms, and businesses in Wellington County.

“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to continue growing from strength to strength in our increasingly digital world,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Wellington County that can now connect to essential services and enjoy the additional opportunities that come with high-speed internet.”

Partnerships and Infrastructure

The federal and provincial governments have collaborated with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. to deliver broadband infrastructure to communities including Brucedale, Centre Inn, Everton, Oustic, Simpson Corners, Shands, Spier, Belwood, Eramosa, Orton, and Maple Leaf Acres, enabling access to high-speed internet.

“Ontario continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By installing new broadband infrastructure in Wellington County, we’re building Ontario and strengthening rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, allowing families to connect with online services, and making it easier for businesses to reach potential customers.”

Impact and Future Plans

This announcement marks the completion of another project under SWIFT, reinforcing the Ontario government’s strategy to develop the right infrastructure in the right places, allowing people to live, work, and farm where they choose.

The contracts for expanding broadband services in Wellington County were awarded by SWIFT, a not-for-profit organization initiated by local municipalities to enhance connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.

“We’re pleased to see the significant impact of our collective efforts in bringing reliable high-speed internet to Wellington County. This investment not only enhances connectivity but also promises to enrich the social and economic landscape of rural communities, enabling residents and businesses to thrive in today’s digital age. We would like to thank the governments of Canada and Ontario for their ongoing support as we continue to work together to bring greater connectivity to Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, Board Chair, SWIFT.

Quick Facts

The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing more than $63 million to SWIFT through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – Small Communities Fund.

The Ontario government is investing nearly $4 billion to bring high-speed internet access to every corner of the province by the end of 2025, marking the largest single investment in high-speed internet in Canadian history.

In July 2021, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced a historic agreement to bring high-speed internet access to more than 280,000 Ontario households through a joint investment exceeding $1.2 billion.

Ontario has launched a new interactive online map that displays where provincially funded high-speed internet projects are planned, in progress, or recently completed. Ontarians can visit Ontario.ca/highspeedinternet and search by address, community, or municipality to find out more about these projects and where high-speed internet service is available.

FAQs:

1. What is the purpose of the high-speed internet investment in Wellington County?
The investment aims to provide reliable high-speed internet to 1,771 families, farms, and businesses, enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth in rural communities.

2. Who are the key partners involved in this project?
The governments of Canada and Ontario partnered with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. to implement this high-speed internet project.

3. Which areas in Wellington County will benefit from the new internet infrastructure?
Communities such as Brucedale, Centre Inn, Everton, Oustic, Simpson Corners, Shands, Spier, Belwood, Eramosa, Orton, and Maple Leaf Acres will benefit from the new broadband infrastructure.

4. How much has been invested in high-speed internet access through SWIFT in Southwestern Ontario?
The governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector have invested more than $255 million to bring high-speed internet access to nearly 67,000 homes and businesses.

5. What are the expected benefits of this high-speed internet project?
The project is expected to improve connectivity, support economic and social development, enable access to essential services, and enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses in rural Wellington County.