CityWest to receive 1.7 million for rural internet delivery

Prince Rupert based CityWest has been awarded 1.7 million dollars in funding as part of a Federal Government investment towards the deliver of Internet services to rural and under serviced communities.

The announcement was made yesterday in Winnipeg by Jim Carr, the Minister of Natural Resources, he was pinch hitting for the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

“This investment will benefit the middle class and those working to join it in rural and remote areas in Western Canada. It will help create greater employment and business opportunities, better access to online education and e-health, improved communications and access to media, and increased access to online goods and services.”

The Prince Rupert communication company will use the 1.7 million to improve service for 520 households in northern British Columbia, though it was not indicated as part of Tuesdays information release where in the Northwest that initiative will take place.

CityWest was one of four Internet providers that received funding yesterday, the money is part of an ongoing commitment by the Federal government to improve high speed Internet across Canada, so far almost 10 million dollars has been allocated for that project, providing high speed connection to 22 rural and remote communities across the nation.

More notes on Tuesday's announcement can be reviewed here.

For more items related to CityWest see our archive page here.

Update: Thursday, CityWest revealed the list of communities that will be receiving improved internet, television and phone services as part of their partnership with the Federal and provincial government.

Among those included as part of the expansion are: Gossen, Kleanza, Usk, Jackpine Flats, Glen Vowell, Kitwanga, and the outskirts of Houston.

Details of the agreement which will see CityWest invest 1.5 million to go along with the Federal investment can be reviewed here.