High-Speed Internet Coming To Simcoe County

The County of Simcoe 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 County of Simcoe's project is eligible for $1 million.

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 Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "I am delighted that the County of Simcoe and its municipal partners have brought forward a successful proposal which shows their commitment to community broadband expansion and to providing their citizens with the best technology possible."

"The broadband development plan that we put forth will go a long way to closing the Internet service gaps that currently exist across the County," said County of Simcoe IT Director, Brian Smith. "With the tremendous growth occurring in our region, this is vital infrastructure to support both economic development and quality of life for our residents."

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.
• The County of Simcoe collaborated with the Municipalities of Adjala-Tosorontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Clearview, Essa, New Tecumeth, Tay, Tiny, Severn, Springwater and Oro-Medonte 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