Federal, Provincial funding directs 3 million dollars to CityWest Fibre to the Home ventures in Northwest

Five Northwest communities will be gaining access to high speed Internet as part of a three million dollar funding announcement Monday for the Prince Rupert based and City of Prince Rupert owned communication firm CityWest.

The money to provide for connectivity for residents of areas of Dease Lake, Iskut, Lach Klan (Gitxaala Nation, Lax Kw'alaams and Smithers, the funding announced on Monday is part of an existing agreement between the federal and provincial governments  from March of 2022.

The prospect of an additional 800 homes gaining improved and reliable internet accessibility was the focus for statement from the respective government officials.

“We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s why our government made a historic commitment to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026. Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for Internet connectivity in rural British Columbia. This investment will provide reliable high-speed Internet access through CityWest Cable and Telephone Corporation to more than 800 underserved homes in five communities across British Columbia.” – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development 

 “Access to reliable, high-speed Internet services is vital for the success and growth of Indigenous, rural and remote communities. We are committed to connecting underserved communities by 2027 so British Columbians can enjoy the opportunities and services unlocked through access to high-speed connectivity, no matter where they live.” – The Honourable Lisa Beare, British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens’ Services

The funding and connectivity options it will provide for was also hailed by CityWest CEO Stefan Woloszyn as part of Monday's roll out of the information release.

“We’re thrilled by today’s announcement to bring improved connectivity to more underserved communities in northern British Columbia. These last-mile fibre-to-the-home projects will provide residents with urban-class connectivity, creating equal opportunities for more rural, remote and Indigenous British Columbians. We would like to express our thanks to the Province of B.C. and the federal government for their connectivity vision, and to our partners at the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, the Gitxaała Nation and the Lax Kw’ Alaams Band for their support in these exciting projects.” – Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest

The Federal government announcement can be reviewed here.

CityWest also relayed the same announcement, though no additional details were provided at this time as to what the additional funding will mean for additional work and the timeline towards its delivery.

While they were celebrating that round of funding, CityWest officials were across Hecate Strait with representatives going door to door this week to visit communities on Haida Gwaii, there to explain the details to their partnership with North Coast Regional District.

The dates that they will be in Skidegate, Masset and Old Masset are outlined below:

More notes on CityWest can be explored here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.