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

NORFOLK COUNTY – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $1.2 million to bring reliable high-speed internet to 927 families, farms and businesses in Norfolk County.

“Ensuring that rural communities have access to high-speed internet is a necessity in our increasingly digital world,” said Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement will level the playing field for residents in Norfolk County who will benefit from better high-speed connectivity. Access to reliable broadband infrastructure will enable residents to access the services they need, while the County’s businesses can be more competitive, expanding their markets in the growing digital landscape.”

The federal and provincial governments have partnered with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. and are proud to announce that residents in the communities of Long Point, Long Point Causeway and Old Cut now have the broadband infrastructure required to access high-speed internet service.

“Our government continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By building new broadband infrastructure in Norfolk County, we’re helping to 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 marks the completion of two more projects under SWIFT and builds on the Ontario government’s plan to get the right infrastructure in the right places - ensuring people can live, work and farm where they want.

The contracts to expand broadband services in Norfolk County were awarded by SWIFT, a not-for-profit corporation, initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.

“We are pleased to announce in partnership with the governments of Ontario and Canada the successful completion of a high-speed fiber-optic network in Norfolk County,” said Gary McNamara, Board Chair, SWIFT. “The newly installed broadband infrastructure will deliver significant benefits to the community, providing a solid foundation for economic growth and innovation while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. We are proud to have been a part of this vital project and look forward to seeing the benefits it brings to the people of Norfolk County."

More than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario, as well as 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.