SIMCOE COUNTY - The Governments of Canada and Ontario announced that construction of up to $41 million in broadband infrastructure in Simcoe County will move forward connecting approximately 12,700 more homes and businesses to fast, reliable internet. All contracts are now signed in Simcoe County through the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project.
Construction of the broadband infrastructure has now begun on a fibre-to-the-home network that will serve the communities of Penville, Rich Hill, Connor, Hockley Valley and Rosemont.
"Long before COVID-19, we knew that broadband connectivity was essential to Canada's success. The pandemic has driven us to move even faster to reach our goals," said Gudie Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador. "More than ever, Canadians are relying on internet to access essential services, working from home and connecting with their loved ones. Today's important investment will help connect approximately 12,700 more homes and businesses in Simcoe County to the high-speed internet they need. We will continue to work with government and community partners at every level to help get every Canadian connected, no matter where they live. Congratulations to all the partners involved in this project by SWIFT!"
"The signing of all broadband infrastructure contracts in Simcoe County is an important step forward toward delivering broadband to support local jobs and educational opportunities," said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs." Delivering broadband internet to residents and businesses in Simcoe County will help businesses grow, create new jobs and connect more people to the resources, services and information they need."
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.
Source : Ontario