(Wellington County, ON) May 9, 2024 – Today, SWIFT announced high-speed fibre-optic internet service is now available to an additional 1,771 previously underserved homes and businesses in Wellington County.
“Ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet is vital for rural community growth and we’re pleased to partner with Cogeco to offer improved broadband to more residents in Wellington County,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “Reliable internet means better access to education and healthcare, empowers local businesses, fosters innovation, and boosts economic and community development.”
In partnership with SWIFT, Cogeco has completed construction of a 103 kilometre fibre-optic network to bring high-speed internet connectivity to more residents living and working in the communities of Brucedale, Centre Inn, Everton, Oustic, Simpson Corners, Shands, Spier, Belwood, Eramosa, Orton and Maple Leaf Acres.
“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to keep growing from strength to strength in our increasingly digital world,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Wellington County that can now connect to essential services and enjoy the additional opportunities that come with high-speed internet.”
“Ontario continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By installing new broadband infrastructure in Wellington County, we’re building Ontario and strengthening rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, allowing families to connect with online services, and making it easier for businesses to reach potential customers.”
The completion of this project represents a significant investment in digital infrastructure, reaffirming SWIFT’s commitment to bridge the digital divide, promoting economic growth, and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses in Wellington County and surrounding areas.
“When the County of Wellington signed on to be a member of the SWIFT project in 2016, we knew improved connectivity was important,” said Wellington County Warden Andy Lennox. “During the pandemic, it became incredibly clear that broadband infrastructure is a lifeline for our residents. The County is proud to have had a role in a broadband infrastructure project which expanded connectivity to over 1,700 additional addresses.”
Residents in the SWIFT funded project area can now contact Cogeco to subscribe to the newly available high-speed service and receive fibre-optic connectivity to their homes and businesses.
“We’re thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our partnership with SWIFT, as over 1,700 residents and businesses in Belwood, Eramosa, Everton, Orton, and other surrounding communities will enjoy our powerful fibre-powered network for high-speed Internet and TV services, including local programming on YourTV. In collaboration with the Grand River Conservation Authority, we’ve also connected several homes and cottages within the Belwood Lake Conservation Area. These strategic investments underscore our commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring all Ontarians have access to high-speed Internet,” said Matt Wickham, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sales and Operations at Cogeco.
To learn more about Cogeco’s high-speed internet services, please visit www.cogeco.ca or call 1.866.261.4447.
Today’s announcement is part of SWIFT’s $270 million regional broadband expansion plan, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to nearly 67,000 homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Ontario.
For additional information on SWIFT funded projects, please visit: www.swiftruralbroadband.ca
Quick Facts:
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- SWIFT, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors, has committed a combined investment of $12.8 million to bring high-speed internet service to 3,079 underserved homes and businesses throughout Wellington County.
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- In total, SWIFT has awarded 97 contracts to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Southwestern Ontario to bring nearly 67,000 homes and businesses across the region improved access to high-speed internet.
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- To-date SWIFT has successfully completed 91 out of 97 awarded projects in Southwestern Ontario.
About SWIFT
Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) is a non-profit regional broadband project initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus to subsidize the construction of high-speed broadband networks across Southwestern Ontario, Caledon and the Niagara Region.
The project was approved for funding up to $127.4 million under the New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund (NBCF-SCF), a joint federal and provincial infrastructure funding program, and leverages additional funding from municipal partners and private sector investors to bring improve access to broadband services across the region.
Media Contact:
Melissa O’Brien
[email protected]
Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology
226.256.1640
