High-Speed Internet Coming to Northumberland County

McGuinty Government Supports Local Infrastructure Project

Northumberland County is among 15 successful municipalities moving forward with plans to build local broadband infrastructure thanks to a partnership with the Ontario government.

The Rural Connections Broadband Program provides funding to help rural municipalities build high-speed Internet projects in their communities. The program's goal is to bring broadband access to rural and remote areas currently under-serviced in southern Ontario.

The province will provide funding for one-third of the approved eligible costs of the project. The Northumberland project is eligible for $976,833.

Broadband combines telecommunications infrastructure and service to deliver more Internet information at speeds far greater than dial-up service.

QUOTES

"This announcement will give our businesses, students and teachers, healthcare professionals and citizens the hi-tech tools they need to succeed and do business," said Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland-Quinte West. "I am delighted that the County of Northumberland and its municipal and First Nations partners brought forward a successful proposal which shows their commitment to community broadband expansion and to providing their citizens with the best technology possible."

"Establishing high-speed connectivity throughout Northumberland County provides another critical piece of infrastructure for our economic and social well-being," said Christine Herrington, Northumberland County Warden. "On behalf of my fellow mayors, I applaud the province for its commitment to our rural constituents and the opportunities this investment will provide."

"This project is the result of a co-operative effort by all municipalities in Northumberland who ensured our request to the province reflected the absolute necessity of high-speed accessibility and the subsequent benefits it would bring to our residents," said Dan Borowec, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Northumberland County.

"Improved broadband will help Aboriginal people and communities access greater education delivery services and economic development opportunities," said Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

QUICK FACTS

• Today's announcement of 15 new broadband projects amounts to a provincial commitment of $8.8 million. In the next four years, the Ontario government will invest up to $30 million in rural partnerships that will build rural Ontario's broadband infrastructure.
• Northumberland County collaborated with the Municipality of Port Hope, Town of Cobourg, Hamilton Township, Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, Alderville First Nations Community, Cramahe Township, Municipality of Brighton and the Municipality of Trent Hills on this project.
• In 2007, 18 projects marked the first wave of broadband infrastructure undertaken jointly by rural municipalities and the province. Thanks to the province's strategy, today's announcement brings the total to 33 projects.
  

LEARN MORE

About the Rural Connections Broadband Program

For more information, contact:

Sherry Persaud, Minister Dombrowsky's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342