Ontario Bringing High-Speed Internet Access to More Communities Across the Province

Ontario Bringing High-Speed Internet Access to More Communities Across the Province

Funding supports connectivity for over 900 homes and businesses

October 25, 2021

Infrastructure

RIDEAU LAKES – The Ontario government is providing nearly $1.5 million to help bring high-speed internet access to more than 900 homes and businesses across the province. The funding will support connectivity in four underserved and unserved communities and help to ensure every household and business can participate in today’s economy.

“Our government is working tirelessly to ensure communities province-wide have access to reliable high-speed internet services by 2025,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure that no matter where you live, you will have access to reliable, high-speed internet to work, learn, start a business, access vital services like health care, and connect with family and friends.”

The funding is being delivered through the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program and will help bring high-speed internet access to the following communities:

  • Rideau Lakes
  • Saugeen Shores
  • Kincardine
  • Lucan Biddulph

“Our government continues to build and modernize our province through critical infrastructure investments,” said Minister Surma. “These high-speed internet initiatives will create the foundations for long-term economic growth so that Ontario can bounce back stronger than ever.”

Today’s announcement brings the government one step closer to achieving 100 per cent connectivity by the end of 2025 and builds on the province’s commitment of nearly $4 billion as part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. This is the largest single investment in high-speed internet, in any province, by any government in Canadian history.

Quick Facts

Quotes

“I’m proud that our government is investing in bringing high-speed internet access to over five hundred homes and businesses in Rideau Lakes. With ICON, our government is setting the foundation for strong, empowered communities in every corner of the province, and helping families to stay connected and businesses to operate remotely.”

– Steve Clark
MPP for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

“This announcement is great news for the families and businesses in Saugeen Shores and Kincardine who will soon have access to high-speed internet. Expanded broadband access is an essential part of our province’s success and is key to helping to grow economic opportunity and to create jobs right across rural Ontario.”

– Lisa Thompson
MPP for Huron–Bruce

“I am very pleased to see the continuing progress our government has made in helping to deliver high-speed internet access to people in rural Ontario. The expansion of broadband to the Municipality of Lucan Biddulph will provide more families, farms, and small businesses in the region with the access to high-speed connections they need to build better communities for us all. I’m excited to see this work continue as we bring connectivity to more people across Lambton–Kent–Middlesex.”

– Monte McNaughton
MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex

“The Township of Rideau Lakes is very pleased to receive provincial ICON funding to continue improving our rural broadband as this will greatly enhance our municipal partnership with the private sector.”

– Arie Hoogenboom
Mayor of the Township of Rideau Lakes

“We welcome this needed investment in our community. Every home and business in Saugeen Shores deserves access to high-speed internet they can rely on. Sporadic connections don’t cut it for anyone anymore. Quality internet access is a critical part of our daily life – learning, working, connecting with needed services and loved ones. We are pleased the province is doing more to expand broadband in our town.”

– Luke Charbonneau
Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores

“This announcement is such great news for the Municipality of Kincardine. Access to high-speed internet impacts people of all ages, and the pandemic has made this more apparent than ever. Connectivity is critical to so many aspects of daily life, from our economic growth and recovery, to health care and learning. I would like to thank the Provincial Government for bringing high-speed internet to our community and for availing this opportunity.”

– Gerry Glover
Mayor for the Municipality of Kincardine

“We have to look at rural economic development very holistically, but rural broadband is the one piece that touches everything. This announcement is very exciting and will reduce the service gaps and encourage economic growth for the community of Lucan Biddulph. Increasing access to broadband is vital to the community of Lucan Biddulph and the announcement will allow for the continued revitalization of economic growth and strengthen our rural connectivity that it is critical for the growth of rural businesses.”

– Cathy Burghardt-Jesson
Mayor of Lucan Biddulph