VICTORIA - Today, the Provincial government announced funding for two fibre-to-the-home Internet projects, representing approximately 250 households.
The communities benefiting from the new last-mile fibre and transport infrastructure include 129 households on Piers Island, 125 households in rural areas of Texada Island.
The Province is investing $573,824 through the Connecting Communities BC program, administered by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services. The Government of Canada is investing $573,824 through the Universal Broadband Fund and CityWest will contribute approximately $476,116 for the projects in Texada and Piers islands.
Since 2017, the Province has invested $584 million to expand connectivity in British Columbia. In March 2022, the governments of British Columbia and Canada announced a partnership to invest as much as $830 million to expand high-speed internet services. Currently, 95.8% of households in British Columbia have access to at least 50/10 megabits per second (mbps). It is projected that 97.8% households will have access by 2026. The Government of Canada is on track for 100% of Canadian households to have access to high-speed internet by 2030.
Quotes
Stefan Woloszyn, Chief Executive Officer, CityWest
“CityWest specializes in serving rural and remote communities with cutting-edge fibre-optic services. We’re thrilled to bring our services to Piers Island and to expand our service footprint on Texada Island. These two fibre-to-the-home projects will provide residents with the same urban-class connectivity that you find in large cities, helping to bridge the digital divide and open access to essential online services.”
Steve Morissette, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development
“No matter where you live, access to high-speed internet has become so important for everyone. I’m thrilled to see these projects on the north and central coasts move forward and remain committed to supporting improved connectivity for all rural and remote communities.”
Sandy McCormick, Director, Electoral Area D, qathet Regional District (Texada Island)
“The qathet Regional District appreciates the tenacity by Connected Coast and CityWest to ensure that the underserved population on Texada Island continues to reach the end of the last mile. The commitment by the Province with the Connecting Communities BC program is paramount to economic development, education, health, emergencies and sustainability in rural B.C., and for that, we thank you.”
Paul Brent, director, Southern Gulf Islands, Capital Regional District (Piers Island)
“Improved internet access on Piers Island strengthens community resilience and supports sustainable living. This investment in connectivity ensures residents can stay better connected to loved ones, work remotely and access vital services. It’s a win for both residents and the broader southern Gulf Islands region.”