Expanding Broadband across Dufferin-Caledon

1 June 2020

 Expanding Broadband across Dufferin-Caledon

Dufferin-Caledon: MPP Sylvia Jones on behalf of Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, announced a major step in expanding broadband internet in Caledon and Dufferin County with the completion of 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 contracts to be awarded and finalized by July for up to $12.4 million in broadband infrastructure expansion.

“I am very pleased to see Dufferin and Caledon be included in this funding. I thank Minister Hardeman for working with our communities to get this critical infrastructure service that is needed,” said Jones. “Reliable internet connection is an important investment for our businesses, agriculture community and students.”

“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 Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “Today, as result of a private- public partnership and the strong support from Dufferin Caledon MPP Hon. Sylvia Jones and the Provincial Government, many more homes and businesses in Caledon will soon have greater access to reliable internet services.”

“Dufferin County is happy to have the Province of Ontario as a partner and a driving force behind the SWIFT program,” said Darren White, Dufferin County Warden. “We are glad to have partners that understand, now, more than ever, that access to reliable, resilient and strong rural broadband is a necessity in rural Ontario. I thank our MPP, Sylvia Jones, for her advocacy on the rural broadband file over the years.”

 

The Ontario government recognizes the importance of rural broadband access for individuals, families and businesses and that has been reinforced by recent challenges. Work continues toward bridging the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario as part of a combined $190 million investment to bring fast, reliable and affordable 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 S12.4 million in broadband infrastructure have closed in Dufferin County and Caledon, making way for contracts to be awarded and service provider agreements to be put in place in July 2020.
  • 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 under-served 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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