MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT CONNECTING RURAL COMMUNITIES

Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program
Invites Applications From Rural Municipalities In Southern Ontario

QUEEN'S PARK - The McGuinty government announced today that it is now accepting applications for Rural Connections …The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program.

"The expansion of broadband technology in rural Southern Ontario is a priority for our government," said Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "With this funding, a significant number of rural municipalities will be able to build broadband networks that will improve the lives of their citizens and their local economies."

The $10 million program was announced in the 2007 Ontario Budget and is targeted toward rural municipalities in Southern Ontario that are ready to build and sustain broadband capability in their communities. Rural Connections …The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program is led by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, together with the Ministry of Government Services and the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

"The funding will focus not only on the construction of broadband infrastructure but also on community outreach and sustainability efforts, to ensure what is built today can be maintained for years to come," said Gerry Phillips, Minister of Government Services.

The Ontario government will fund up to one third of the cost of qualifying broadband projects up to a maximum of $1 million. The remainder of the funding will come from the municipalities and their project partners.

"This investment in broadband infrastructure in rural Southern Ontario will give small and medium-sized businesses the ability to grow and compete in markets around the world, as well as foster entrepreneurship and innovation in rural communities," said Harinder Takhar, Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

"We are very pleased that the Government of Ontario is making this important investment in rural municipalities," said Doug Reycraft, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. "Provincial funding that connects rural communities with a changing economy is an investment in opportunity and prosperity that benefits all Ontarians."

For more information and application documents, interested municipalities can visit www.ontario.ca/rural or call 1-888-588-4111. Applications are due no later than 5 p.m., July 13, 2007.

This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in rural Ontario. Other examples include:

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Contacts:
Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
(416) 326-6439

Brent Ross
Communications Branch
(416) 326-9342

Backgrounder

RURAL CONNECTIONS …THE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL RURAL BROADBAND PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

Rural Connections …The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program is a one-time initiative designed to reduce broadband infrastructure gaps in southern Ontario.

Broadband, also known as high-speed Internet, combines telecommunications infrastructure and service, allowing end-users to use the Internet for recreation and commerce at speeds far greater than traditional dial-up service allows.

Rural municipalities in southern Ontario that meet the eligibility requirements can apply for provincial funding individually - or jointly with other municipalities through one lead applicant - for up to one third of eligible approved project costs to a maximum of $1 million. Municipalities, telecommunication providers, and other private partners must contribute the balance of the project costs.

The program requires that municipalities demonstrate that they are working in partnership with community stakeholders and other partners to develop and implement a plan from a county or regional perspective that is designed to reduce broadband gaps.

Rural Connections …The Ontario Municipal Rural Broadband Partnership Program is a time-limited initiative. To be selected for funding, applicants must demonstrate a readiness and ability to begin implementation and incur all project expenses by March 31, 2008.

Once projects have been selected, approved projects will develop detailed business and technical plans, including the selection of a telecommunications service provider through an open and transparent tendering process. Selected projects will be assisted in preparing their business and technical plans through Local Support Teams. Selected projects will begin infrastructure implementation as soon as possible and no later than October 15, 2007.

Selected projects must also include a plan for long-term sustainability that addresses such components as uptake and utilization of the new infrastructure by residents, businesses and the community at large.

Objectives and Priorities

Benefits

Key Dates

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Contacts:
Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
(416) 326-6439

Brent Ross
Communications Branch
(416) 326-9342