(Norfolk County, ON) May 26, 2023 – SWIFT is pleased to announce the completion of construction of a fibre-optic network in Norfolk County, providing more than 900 previously underserved homes and businesses with access to high-speed internet service.
As part of SWIFT’s regional broadband expansion plan that aims to bring high-speed internet access to over 64,000 homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Ontario, Execulink Telecom was awarded funding to expand fibre-optic connectivity in the communities of Long Point and Old Cut.
“We’re thrilled to have completed this important project in Norfolk County,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “This expansion is a game-changer for the community and its residents, and we’re grateful to our service provider, Execulink, for their hard work and dedication in completing this project which includes the Long Point Causeway, an ecologically sensitive stretch of roadway within the County.”
“Our government 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 building new broadband infrastructure in Norfolk County, we’re helping to build Ontario and strengthen rural communities. This investment is helping people stay in touch with loved ones, enabling them to access the supports they need while providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
“Ensuring that rural communities have access to high-speed internet is a necessity in our increasingly digital world,” said Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement will level the playing field for residents in Norfolk County who will benefit from better high-speed connectivity. Access to reliable broadband infrastructure will enable residents to access the services they need, while the County’s businesses can be more competitive, expanding their markets in the growing digital landscape.”
The newly established network has now expanded fibre-optic connectivity along 25 kilometers of roadway, providing more residents with access to high-speed internet service and is a significant achievement for SWIFT and its partners as the project included a 3-kilometre stretch of roadway along the Long Point Causeway, an environmentally sensitive area.
“Growing up in a small rural community, I can certainly appreciate what a big deal access to high-speed fibre optic connectivity is for residents. Now, as Mayor, I have an additional appreciation for the impact broadband has helping our existing businesses expand and attracting new enterprises and visitors to the Long Point area,” said Mayor Amy Martin. “I’m truly grateful to the SWIFT team for their work to make Norfolk County more connected.”
Residents located within the SWIFT funded project area that are interested in subscribing to the newly available service can now sign up with Execulink to receive fibre-optic connectivity to their homes and businesses.
“We are proud to bring Fibre to Long Point and to continue to service more communities in Norfolk County. Our Fibre technology delivers the superior telecom experience Norfolk residents, businesses and visitors deserve,” said Ian Stevens, President and CEO of Execulink Telecom.
To learn more about Execulink’s high-speed internet services, please visit www.execulink.ca or call 1.866.765.22.82.
In total, through the SWIFT initiative, nearly 4,000 homes and businesses in Norfolk County have been provided with access to fibre-optic connectivity, enabling residents to enjoy and benefit from fast reliable internet service.
For more information about SWIFT and its broadband expansion plans, visit www.swiftruralbroadband.ca.
Quick Facts:
• SWIFT in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and private sector investors has committed a combined investment of $12 million to bring high-speed internet service to 3,947 underserved homes and businesses throughout Norfolk County.
• In total, SWIFT has awarded 97 contracts to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Southwestern Ontario to bring over 64,000 homes and businesses across the region access to high-speed internet service. Local projects are underway, with 25 projects in the construction phase and 72 projects completed.
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
