Canada and Ontario Building Broadband in Waterloo Region

WATERLOO REGION – The governments of Canada and Ontario, in partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, have completed construction on broadband infrastructure that will provide access to fast, reliable high-speed internet service to 470 families, farms and businesses in Waterloo Region.

“Access to high-speed internet is essential to allow Canadians in rural communities to continue to grow and prosper in our increasingly connected world,” said Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Cambridge, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Completion of this broadband infrastructure allows hundreds of residents in the Waterloo Region to access reliable, modern, high-speed internet services for online classes, virtual doctor visits, e-commerce businesses and many more online activities.”

The federal and provincial governments have committed more than $429,000 each to provide high-speed internet service to more than 90 families, farms and businesses in the Township of Woolwich, and more than 120 families, farms and businesses in the community of Haysville.

“Our government is delivering on its commitment to provide access to high-speed internet throughout rural Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Projects that connect more communities to high-speed internet, like this one in Waterloo Region, are crucial to building a stronger Ontario. We’re helping families and farmers stay in touch with loved ones, enabling them to access supports they need while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

In addition, both governments have supported the construction of an additional infrastructure network to provide more than 250 families, farms and businesses in the communities of Orr’s Lake and Clyde with access to high-speed internet service. Both governments each committed more than $430,000 to provide high-speed internet to these communities.

“Our government continues to show leadership in prioritizing critical infrastructure projects to support rural communities across Ontario and here in Waterloo Region,” said Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga. “The residents and businesses in Woolwich Township will benefit directly from access to better broadband services through the SWIFT program. Whether kids can get their homework done, adults can access job opportunities that allow work from home, or families can stream the latest season of a hit show on Netflix, this expansion will improve everyone’s productivity and well-being.”