Canada and Ontario Increasing Access to High-Speed Internet in Dufferin County

DUFFERIN COUNTY – The governments of Ontario and Canada are investing more than $530,000 to bring fast, reliable high-speed internet to more than 140 families, farms and businesses in Dufferin County.

“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to prosper in our increasingly digital world,” said Ruby Sahota, member of parliament for Brampton North, 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 Dufferin County can connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”

In partnership with Southwest Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., the federal and provincial governments are proud to announce that high-speed internet service is now available for connection in the communities of Marsville, Orton, Prices Corner and Craigsholme.

“Our government continues to deliver on our commitment to expand access to high-speed internet across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By building new broadband infrastructure in Dufferin County, we are helping 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.

“Today’s announcement is another example of how our government is continuing to expand high-speed internet in Dufferin County,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “This investment brings reliable internet to our rural communities which is so important for local businesses, schools and families to work, study and stay connected.”

The contracts to expand broadband services in Dufferin 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.

“Together with the governments of Ontario and Canada we are pleased to announce the completion of a fibre-to-the-home project in Dufferin County that is now providing many more rural residents located in the Township of East Garafraxa with access to high-speed internet service,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “As we respond to the need for greater connectivity across our region, today’s announcement proudly marks yet another milestone for SWIFT and our partners as the program continues to drive forward with its regional broadband expansion plan to provide greater economic growth potential and increase online opportunities for residents and businesses throughout 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.