Canada and Ontario Building Broadband in Huron and Bruce Counties

HURON COUNTY – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $1.7 million to bring fast, reliable high-speed internet to more than 800 homes, farms and businesses in Henfryn, Wroxeter, Gorrie, Fordwich, and Summerhill in Huron County by July 2022.

In addition, both governments through its partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. have completed construction on a new broadband network that will soon connect more than 440 homes, businesses and farms in Huron and Bruce counties to the high-speed internet they need and deserve.

Today’s announcement builds on the projects already underway in Bruce County, which will bring high-speed internet to an additional 1,000 homes, farms and businesses in various communities within the region, by September of 2022.

Together these projects bring Ontario one step closer to delivering on its commitment to connect every community to high-speed internet by 2025, while also building stronger rural communities and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and success.

“The internet has brought the world at our fingertips, but for thousands of Canadians living in rural areas, the benefits haven’t fully materialized,” said Jennifer O’Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our reliance on the internet has never been higher and will only continue to grow. Our partnership with the Government of Ontario and Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology Inc. is ensuring homes, farms and businesses in Southwestern Ontario have access to dependable, high-speed internet that will help them succeed in our interconnected world.”

“As both the minister for rural affairs and the local MPP, I know firsthand how important high-speed internet access is for families and businesses in our community and throughout rural Ontario,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and MPP for Huron – Bruce. “They need these services to do their work - whether it’s schoolwork or running a business. That’s why I’m proud that our government is getting it done and building the critical infrastructure needed to build Ontario and support our residents in Huron and Bruce counties.”

The contracts to expand broadband services 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 to more than 63,000 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario through SWIFT by the end of 2025.

“Access to reliable broadband service is essential to supporting the long-term social and economic growth of rural communities across Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “With the support of the federal and provincial governments through the SWIFT program we have been able to advance these projects forward to provide many more residents throughout the counties of Huron and Bruce with access to high-speed internet.”