Access to high-speed, broadband internet has come to five more Vancouver Island communities, says the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.
New infrastructure is bringing improved connectivity to the Quatsino First Nation’s subdivision 18, Coal Harbour, Sproat Lake, Forbidden Plateau, and along Ross Road and a stretch of the Island Highway in Nanoose Bay.
“Faster, reliable internet access for these five Island communities will provide more economic opportunities and allow people to succeed in their home communities,” said North Island MLA Michele Babchuk, the premier’s liaison for cellular and connectivity.
The improvements have resulted from $2.6 million in funding from Telus, $2.6 million from the province through Connecting British Columbia via the Northern Development Initiative Trust, and $37,500 from the Mount Waddington Regional District.
Andrew Hory, board chair of the Regional District of Mount Waddington, said improved internet connection for residents of northern Vancouver Island “has been one of our primary objectives for the past decade.”
“This communication infrastructure is essential to our programs and services, to retain and attract workers and their families, and to instill the growth and changes much-needed in our rural communities.”
