Expanding connectivity for people in Kootenays

VICTORIA -

Summary:

• Better access to high-speed internet for more than 2,650 households in Valemount, Nakusp, New Denver, Rosebery, Salmo, Silverton, Slocan
• Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Basin Trust, receives $17 million in provincial funding for connectivity expansion
• Builds on the $82-million Connect the Basin initiative to improve internet access in Columbia Basin, Kootenays

__________

People in more than 2,650 households will soon have better access to high-speed internet, as seven more Columbia Basin communities get closer to accessing online services.

"The Kootenays is one of B.C.'s most rugged and beautiful regions, and people there know high-speed internet is a necessity for learning, working and accessing vital services," said Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens' Services. "By expanding high-speed connectivity in the Columbia Basin, we're giving people the tools they need to stay connected, grow local businesses and fully participate in today's digital economy, all while remaining in the communities they call home."

The Province is investing up to $17 million to enhance connectivity for communities in the Columbia Basin, including Valemount, Nakusp, New Denver, Rosebery, Salmo, Silverton and Slocan.

Strong partnerships advance connectivity commitment

This expansion builds on the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation's $82-million Connect the Basin initiative, supported by up to $58 million in funding from Canada and B.C. to bring improved internet access to more than 5,400 households throughout the Columbia Basin and Kootenays. The Northern Development Initiative Trust is the funding administrator.

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. The governments of British Columbia and Canada are committed to connecting all remaining under-served households, ensuring better access to services and economic opportunities in every community.

The Connecting British Columbia program supports projects like this to expand high-speed internet access to rural and remote areas, levelling the playing field for people in British Columbia.

Quotes:

Steve Morissette, parliamentary secretary for rural development, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee -

"People living rurally deserve to have access to good jobs in the digital economy, as well as having options like telehealth and being able to more easily keep in touch with family and friends. It's great that more people across the Kootenay valley will have reliable, high-speed internet options."

Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, MLA for Kootenay Central -

"Rural people deserve to have the same access to opportunity as people living in more urban parts of the province, and that means keeping up with a changing digital landscape. As Minister of State for Rural Communities and Local Governments, I know how our government's investments in connectivity have benefited rural people, and I'm glad to see that more people in the Kootenays will have their homes brought up to speed."

Owen Torgerson, mayor, Valemount -

"Valemount is pleased Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation is expanding its Connect the Basin project with provincial funding. The expansion supports residents and businesses, fosters economic development, remote education and virtual healthcare, and betters the overall quality of life for Valemount and surrounding areas. The new last-mile fibre installations and upgrades to existing infrastructure bridges connectivity gaps and provides access to high-speed internet 'in the middle of everywhere'."

Ben Campbell, CEO, Northen Development Initiative Trust -

"This investment will make a real, tangible difference in people's personal lives and create new opportunities for their livelihoods. Reliable connectivity strengthens local economies, supports entrepreneurs and small businesses, and ensures Kootenay residents can fully participate in the digital world. As this digital pathway is strengthened, it also allows people from around the globe to interact with rural B.C. residents and businesses to learn more about the beauty and bounty that thrives in the southeastern part of our province."

Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust -

"This investment helps close gaps in the Connect the Basin initiative and brings high-speed fibre-to-the-home infrastructure to communities that have long faced connectivity challenges. Adding this infrastructure to work already underway strengthens the network residents rely on. We appreciate the Province's commitment to this project and are pleased to advance reliable, affordable connectivity across the Basin."

Learn More: