Rae announces completion of local broadband projects

[Donegal, ON] – Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington, as part of a $2.2 million investment from the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced the completion of two broadband projects located in North Perth. The projects have brought high-speed internet to 475 homes and businesses in the area. 

“This is great news for rural families and businesses,” Rae said. “In today’s interconnected world, high-speed internet is essential. This investment will allow businesses to attract new customers and grow their operations. It will also provide students with a reliable connection so that they may work and learn remotely.” 

In partnership with Southwest Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., the federal and provincial governments are proud to announce that residents in the communities of Donegal, Britton and Tralee are now receiving access to high-speed internet service.  

“Our government continues to deliver on our 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 Perth County, we are 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 announcement builds on the Ontario government’s plan to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the province by the end of 2025. By building the right infrastructure, in the right places, we are ensuring people can live, work and farm where they want. 

“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 will ensure that homes, businesses, and farms in Perth County can connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.” 

“Building and improving critical broadband infrastructure is key to promoting sustainable economic growth and social well-being in our small and rural communities across Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “Together with the governments of Ontario and Canada, SWIFT continues to make strong progress in the expansion of high-speed broadband infrastructure across Southwestern Ontario and today’s announcement builds on our program’s commitment to drive greater connectivity throughout the region as we mark the completion of two additional high-speed fibre-optic projects in Perth County.” 

The contracts to expand broadband services in Perth County were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation, initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. 

More than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector to bring high-speed internet access to more than 63,000 homes and businesses in Southwestern Ontario through SWIFT by the end of 2023.