Faster broadband access is coming to 200 homes and businesses in Chisholm.
Ontario is providing $267,473 to upgrade the infrastructure while Spectrum Group is providing $127,368 and the township is kicking in $29,719 to support the project.
“Reliable broadband service is certainly needed for life in the 21st century and today's announcement is a step toward making broadband improvements for our rural businesses, families, and individuals,” said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli when making the announcement Wednesday. “Now, more than ever, the residents of Chisholm are relying on the internet to access services, working from home and connecting with their loved ones.”
Chisholm Mayor Gail Degagne said the improvements are needed and timely due to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing more people to work from home.
“Broadband is a priority with council and staff, especially now with the pandemic,” Degagne said in the media release. “There is an increase of people working from home and students doing online learning which has made high-speed internet an essential service now more than ever.”
The project is led by the Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation, which helps communities and service providers improve broadband access. This investment is part of Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan.
On November 4, 2020, the Ontario government announced its investment of $680 million on top of its existing commitment to improve connectivity in the province, leading to a historic investment of nearly $1 billion over six years
Dave Dale is a Local Journalism Reporter with BayToday.ca. LJI is funded by the Government of Canada.
