CityWest to receive share of Federal/Provincial funding for improved internet services

CityWest will receive federal and provincial funding
to move forward with a long planned sub sea fibre optic link
to run from the North Coast to Haida Gwaii and point south

Rural communities up and down the British Columbia coast are about to see a major shift in their ability to receive internet services, with an announcement today from the Federal and Provincial governments that will see CityWest receive funding for the installation of a new subsea fibre optic line to run from Prince Rupert to Vancouver.

The large scale investment totals 45.4 million dollars and is part of the Federal Government's Connect to Innovate program.

Of the investment announced today, CityWest will receive 9 million dollars from the federal government and 3.4 million dollars from the Government of British Columbia, which will be put to use to improve high-speed internet service for 23 communities and 97 institutions.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice's office relayed the news through a media release today, making note that the announcement will help address long standing concerns access to high speed and reliable internet for coastal communities and residents of Haida Gwaii.

“For too long people living along B.C.’s coast and Haida Gwaii have been forced to live in technological isolation which has affected their ability to communicate and do business in a digital world.”  ...  “This important investment will give coastal communities and First Nations better access to key services like healthcare and education, bring new economic opportunities in tourism and other industries, and improve our ability to respond to emergencies throughout the region."

Ms. Rice participated in Today's announcement which was made at Canada Place in Vancouver.
(The key notes from today's announcement can be reviewed below, click to enlarge)

The full press release from the Federal Government can be reviewed here.

No timeline for the construction of the sub sea fibre link and introduction of the new service was provided at today's announcement.

We first took note of the proposed sub sea network plans last August, at that time CityWest outline how the project would not only improve the experience for customers in the Prince Rupert area, but also for customers in other markets served by the NorthWest communication company.

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

Items of interest on provincial political scene can be reviewed here.