(Bruce County, ON) June 30, 2023 – SWIFT announced the successful completion of a high-speed fibre-optic network in Bruce County today. With this newly installed network now in service, over 230 previously underserved homes and businesses in the communities of Skipness, Tolmie and Sauble Beach now have access to reliable high-speed fibre-optic connectivity.
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, Grey Bruce Telecom (GBTel) was awarded funding to expand fibre-optic connectivity in Bruce County.
“The completion of the high-speed fibre-optic network in Bruce County represents yet another step forward in our efforts to ensure equitable access to high-speed internet across Southwestern Ontario,” said Barry Field, Executive Director, SWIFT. “We’re proud to have partnered with GBTel on this important infrastructure investment that will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also drive economic growth, empowering businesses to thrive and compete in the digital economy.”
Through funding awarded by SWIFT, GBTel has now completed the construction of a 22-kilometre fibre-optic network to bring greater connectivity to the county. The network’s main fibre route runs along portions of Bruce Roads 8 and 14 and includes part of the shoreline roads along Gould Lake and Chesley Lake.
“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to prosper in our increasingly digital world,” said Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in Bruce County that can now connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”
“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 Bruce 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.”
“This investment in high-speed fibre-optic in Bruce County continues to boost our economic impact and value. The presence and speed of internet connectively helps make our rural area competitive, enabling someone’s ability to work or learn from home, or expand or build a global business. Thank you to all partners involved in helping revitalize and future proof our rural communities through increased connectively,” said Bruce County Warden, Chris Peabody.
Residents within the SWIFT-funded project area who are interested in subscribing to the newly available service can now sign up with GBTel to receive fibre-optic connectivity to their homes and businesses.
“GBTel is pleased to announce the completion of the high-speed network. This project provides unprecedented speeds of up to 1gbps to select homes and businesses in Sauble Beach, Skipness and Tolmie, including areas surrounding Chesley Lake and Gould Lake. As a supporting partner, SWIFT has been absolutely essential in the success of this project and, without SWIFT, the project simply would not have happened. All partners – from private to all levels of government – have excelled in the completion of this project and we thank them all, said Richard Gils, President, GBTel
To learn more about GBTel’s high-speed internet services, please visit www.gbtel.ca or call 519.378.1410.
For additional information about SWIFT and its broadband expansion plans, please 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 $16 million to bring high-speed internet service to 5,685 underserved homes and businesses throughout Bruce 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 22 projects in the construction phase and 75 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
