Connected Coast funding puts Prince Rupert's CityWest on track to deliver internet connectivity to more Vancouver Island communities, as well as Haida Gwaii

More internet connectivity funding has been announced
for Prince Rupert based CityWest

A provincial program designed to provide las mile infrastructure could see Prince Rupert's CityWest take the lead in an internet connectivity project for two Island communities in the Comox Valley Regional District.

Last week, the BC Government announced People on Denman and Hornby islands will soon be able to enjoy improved internet performance, thanks to two projects supported by the Connecting British Columbia program. 

As part of the initiative the City of Prince Rupert owned communication company, CityWest will receive up to $3.26 million from the program to upgrade services on Denman Island and up to $2.38 million for its work on Hornby Island, helping to ensure people in these communities have the internet access they need well into the future. 

Connected Coast is a $45.4-million investment in coastal connectivity jointly funded by federal and B.C. governments. CityWest has partnered with the Strathcona Regional District to construct a subsea fibre-optic network with access points along B.C.’s coastline between Vancouver and Prince Rupert, to Haida Gwaii and around Vancouver Island. Construction is expected to begin this summer and will include stops on the Gulf Islands. 

For his part, CityWest CEO Stefan Woloszyn expressed the Prince Rupert' company's excitement at the opportunity to add on to the Connected Coast footprint.

 “We’re absolutely thrilled about today’s announcement, which is the result of huge support at the provincial and community levels, as well as hard work from our entire team at CityWest.We’re looking forward to working with and serving the communities on Denman and Hornby islands, ensuring they get great Internet services and a superior customer experience.”

More on the August 5th announcement can be reviewed here

While the signs all look positive, the project isn't quite ready to launch, residents of the two Islands will still have to decide if they wish to provide up the ten percent in financing required, they will offer their verdict on the project as part of a public engagement process and referendum set for this fall.

CityWest outlined the latest southern expansion plans with an information release today.

CityWest also has been successful in another connectivity project.

In late July, it was announced that CityWest would receive $852,435 for two projects on Haida Gwaii  which will provide improved internet access for the communities of Tow Hill, Tlell, Nadu and Dead Tree Point. 

“We’re grateful for this financial support from the Province, and for the support shown to this project by the local communities on Haida Gwaii. When you improve Internet services in a community, you also improve the lives of the people who live there. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of solid and reliable internet services, especially in rural and remote communities, and we’re looking forward to serving customers on Haida Gwaii.” -- Stefan Woloszyn, CEO, CityWest.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice shared in the enthusiasm for the new connectivity program as part of the Provincial statement of July 29th.

“Fast and reliable internet is vital for work, school and the islands’ tourism economy. Investing in improved community networks for coastal communities like Tow Hill and Tlell on Haida Gwaii is an important step forward on our goal to ensure people in coastal communities have the internet access they need.”

You can review more notes of the ongoing work of CityWest on Connected Coast and other ventures from our archive page here.

A look at past Provincial government themes is available from our Legislature archive page.