Expanding Broadband Connectivity in Caledon

January 2021

Dufferin-Caledon: The Governments of Canada and Ontario announced the beginning of construction of up to $4.3 million in broadband infrastructure to connect 846 more homes and businesses in Caledon to fast, reliable internet.

Both levels of government have each committed up to $1.1 million to two projects that will create more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserviced areas of Southwestern Ontario though an improved modern broadband internet network.

The first project is valued at $1.9 million and will deliver reliable internet access to more than 375 homes and businesses in Caledon, near Mount Wolfe Road. Construction of the infrastructure is expected to be complete with full service available by December this year. The second project is valued at $2.5 million and will deliver reliable internet access to more than 471 homes and businesses communities of Albion and near Centreville Creek Road. Construction on this project is expected to be done by March 2022.

The contracts to expand fibre-optic broadband services in Caledon were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.

“I have been a long-time advocate for universal internet access and through this investment, I am happy to see that we are one step closer to achieving this goal,” said Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development. “I am proud of the work our government has done, in collaboration with our partners, to work towards our goal of ensuring all Canadian homes and businesses across Canada are connected and have access to high-speed internet. It is our government’s priority for each and every Canadian to have quick, reliable internet service, so that they may have access to essential services that are critical to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of their families.”

“The beginning of construction of broadband infrastructure in Caledon is an important step forward in our plan to deliver broadband that supports better educational opportunities, attracts more businesses and creates jobs,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “It’s essential that we continue to expand access to broadband internet in our rural and remote areas, because the internet has become a vital tool for use by residents and businesses on a daily basis.”

“At a time when people are depending more on broadband and having access to high-speed internet, I am pleased to see the construction phase begin in Caledon,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon. “Our government is committed to expanding broadband internet access and these two projects getting started will increase access to reliable internet services for many households in our community.”

“We are pleased to announce that shovels are in the ground and construction is underway in Caledon to improve access to broadband services,” said David Mayberry, SWIFT Board Gair. “With the support of the Governments of Ontario and Canada, and in partnership with our municipal leaders we continue to work together to deliver long-term sustainable broadband solutions to further support our rural communities in Southwestern Ontario.”

Work continues to bridge the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario, as part of a combined federal – provincial investment of more than $191 million to bring fast, reliable and affordable internet to thousands of homes and businesses. This will allow communities to attract new development, strengthen local economies and create more well-paying jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario.

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 of the Investing in Canada
  • 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 is making a historic investment of nearly $1 billion over six years to improve and expand broadband and cellular access across the province. On November 4th, 2020, Ontario announced $680 million on top of the $315 million to support Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan. This funding will create jobs and connect unserved and underserved communities during COVID-19 and beyond.

-30-