High-Speed Internet Coming To Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield Township

The Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield 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 Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield 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 Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough. "I am delighted that the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield 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."

"We put forward a collaborative Internet strategy which will put the township on a communications footing equal to urban Ontario," said Ron Millen, Reeve of the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield. "This news today is tremendous for those living in our township who require reliable, high-speed Internet access."

"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.
• Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield collaborated on this project with the County of Peterborough, the Township of Galway-Cavendish and Harvey, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Douro-Dummer and the Curve Lake First Nation.
• 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