CityWest: Our Vision for the Future and Commitment to Prince Rupert
CityWest is proud to share an update on our vision for the future and our unwavering commitment to Prince Rupert. We are experiencing a period of rapid expansion across the province, setting the stage for exciting growth and opportunities. As we navigate this phase, our focus remains on balancing new opportunities with our dedication to improving services for our existing customers and supporting our home community.
Prince Rupert Fibre-to-the-Premise (FTTP)
In 2025, CityWest will expand our fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) network in Prince Rupert by building out two additional nodes in key areas. This investment will connect over 500 more homes to our cutting-edge fibre-optic services, delivering superior internet experiences. Our fibre network buildout will continue over the next several years, ensuring that every resident and business in Prince Rupert benefits from the best technology available. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and are excited to connect even more homes and businesses in 2025.
We continue to employ the best and brightest minds in our business and are pleased to celebrate recognition as a BC Top 100 Employer in 2024. In addition, we continue to celebrate the accolade of the highest customer service ratings of any telecommunications provider in Western Canada. Our commitment to you remains the same; to continually improve our services, to respond when issues arise and provide the best customer experience in everything we do.
Planning for the Future
While we enhance services in our established communities, we are also expanding into underserved areas. Over the next 5 years, our expansion projects will bring enhanced services to new communities while introducing innovative products to all our customers.
This growth requires significant time and investment, but it does not detract from our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our current customers.
“A company can only grow successfully and prosper based on its human resources. At City West we appreciate our employees, their dedication and the excellent work they do,” said Bob Long, Chair of the CityWest Board of Directors. “We have taken on new growth and are succeeding as an organization. We thank our customers, partners, supporters and employees for our continuing success.”
Loan Repayment vs. Dividend
CityWest has historically made payments to the City of Prince Rupert through loan repayments and dividends, both of which represent financial returns but serve different purposes.
- Loan Repayments are debt payments related to the purchase of Monarch Cable Systems, which enabled CityWest’s expansion into Terrace, Kitimat, and Smithers.
- Dividends are profit-based payments to shareholders.
We are on track to significantly reduce the debt owed to the city over the next five years, with plans endorsed by the City of Prince Rupert Council and the CityWest Board of Directors.
“This is more good news for the people of Prince Rupert, who ultimately own the company,” said Herb Pond, Mayor of Prince Rupert. “Futureproofing the City is a prime objective for Council - seeking new revenue sources while aggressively renewing the City’s deteriorating infrastructure. These loan payments help us get more done today, and dividends from a growing company will ease tax burdens in the future.”
As we continue to reinvest revenue into growth projects, we are laying the groundwork to provide consistent, larger dividends once our expansion phase concludes.
Redundancy and the Connected Coast
CityWest, in partnership with the Strathcona Regional District, is building the Connected Coast Project, bringing improved connectivity to over 100 communities along coastal B.C., Vancouver Island, and Haida Gwaii. This initiative also introduces critical redundancy to northern communities, ensuring fewer disruptions caused by incidents along Highway 16.
There have been several fibre breaks in the Hecate Strait between Bonilla Island and Haida Gwaii, an issue specific to this area. The cable’s route intersects with active fishing zones, an area beyond CityWest’s jurisdiction or control. While fishing and crabbing activities are prohibited on the cable, we have experienced multiple outages caused by unsanctioned activities in these areas.
To address these challenges, we are working on creating a separate, armored, and redundant connection to Haida Gwaii. Additionally, we are committed to working with our civic and first nations partners as well as permitting authorities to reduce risks to the cable and ensure uninterrupted service for our customers.
With the Connected Coast Project set for completion by March 31, 2025, we are thrilled to see more communities benefiting from this transformative network.
Community Investment Fund
Reaffirming our roots in Prince Rupert, we are establishing a Community Investment Fund in 2025. This initiative will support local projects that provide lasting benefits to the community. The fund is an additional investment we are making into Prince Rupert and will not impact future dividends or distribution payments to the city.
"For over 110 years, we have been committed to Prince Rupert. We are excited to launch this new initiative to help further reinvest back into our community,” said Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest. “The future is bright for our company, and we look forward to serving Prince Rupert for many years to come.”
Set to launch early in the year, the fund will allow community groups to apply for assistance with impactful projects. As CityWest continues to grow, we aim to increase the fund’s size and expand its reach, investing in the community that has supported us from the beginning.
Closing
The future is bright for CityWest. As the telecommunications industry evolves, we remain committed to growing alongside Prince Rupert, embracing new opportunities, and delivering superior services. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates and continuing to support the community in the years ahead.