Broadband internet is coming to Neyaashiinigmiing.
Political representatives from all levels were on hand for an announcement today about a project being completed in partnership with the provincial government, federal government and the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project.
They say it will see nearly 300 families, farms and businesses receive improved access to fast, reliable high-speed internet on the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
A release from the provincial government says both the federal and provincial governments have each invested more than $429,000 into this project that is expected to be completed by June of 2023.
Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities says in a statement, ‘Reliable broadband infrastructure is a necessity for the growth and prosperity of rural, remote and Indigenous communities.”
This announcement builds on the Ontario governments plan to connect every community to high-speed internet by 2025.
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Veronica Smith attended alongside Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Alex Ruff, Saugeen Shores Mayor and Bruce County Councillor Luke Charbonneau, and others.
The contract to expand broadband services in the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, was awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.
The release says, more than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector to bring high-speed internet to more than 63,000 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario.
Byers says it’s great news, adding in a statement, “In rural Ontario, we know good internet service is a necessity.”