Province, Nisga'a Lisims Government announce plans for improved internet, cell coverage for Nass Valley

Nisga'a Lisims President Eva Clayton
and Minister Melanie Mark
announced a communication 
agreement on Tuesday in the Nass
(photo from Minister's twitter feed)

Communities in the Nass Valley will see some improved communication connections for the region over the next five years.

That as the Province of British Columbia and Nisga'a Lisims Government make note of an upcoming project to bring high-speed internet and cellular coverage improvements to the area.

In a Tuesday information release the Province noted of the plans ahead, with Hli Haykwhl Ẃii X̱sgaak Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport making the announcement on behalf of Lisa Beare, the Minster of Community Services to outline the funding program for the work. 

“Many of us rely on high-speed connectivity and cellphone coverage to support our families, businesses and day-to-day activities. 

This investment is going to be a lifesaver, game changer and economic driver for residents in rural communities throughout the Nass Valley. 

This partnership with the Nisg̱a’a Nation demonstrates reconciliation in action and will take us one step closer to fulfilling our government’s commitment to connecting all B.C. communities with high-speed internet by 2027.”

The combined cost of what will be a five year project towards completion is estimated at 5.8 Million dollars.

Broadband connectivity improvements are estimated to cost as much as $2.4 million, while cellular connectivity upgrades are estimated to cost as much as $3.4 million. 

The Province is investing as much as $437,000 toward the broadband connectivity improvements, alongside contributions from the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government for the overall project. 

Communities to be served by the improved connectivity will be:

Nisg̱a’a Village of New Aiyansh 

Nisg̱a’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw 

Nisg̱a’a Village of Lax̱g̱alts'ap 

Nisg̱a’a Village of Ging̱olx 

Nass Camp

Eva Clayton, the President of the Nisga'a Lisims Government noted of the improvement to the existing capabilities will benefit the residents of the Nisga'a Nation.

“The Nisg̱a’a Nation is very happy that our treaty partners, Canada and British Columbia, are working collaboratively with us to improve the quality of life of all Nass Valley residents.

These much-needed improvements to our existing internet and cellular infrastructure will increase safety and accessibility while travelling on Nisg̱a’a Highway 113, and the benefits will also be realized in our economic endeavours, not to mention in the delivery of education and health services.”

No actual details towards the scope and timeline of the work to be done over the next five years, or who will provide for the technical and construction work on the project were disclosed as part of the Tuesday announcement.

The full announcement can be reviewed here.

For more notes on themes from the provincial government see our archive page here.

A wider overview on items of interest from the Nass Valley can be reviewed here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.