The Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce has joined the Ontario Chamber in a call for infrastructure funding to expand broadband internet access in remote and rural areas.
The government is making record investments in transit and transportation infrastructure, mainly in urban areas.
The chamber wants the province to recognize that access to high speed internet is essential for Ontario Business to compete in the 21st century global economy.
“Local businesses in Owen Sound and area are increasingly dependent on internet access for their everyday business practices,” says Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce CEO Peter Reesor. “High-speed internet access has become a necessity for doing business in today’s economy and it is critical that all regions across Ontario, including Owen Sound and Grey County have access to this essential infrastructure.”
A letter To Premier Kathleen Wynne says Ontario needs to develop a robust broadband investment strategy that acknowledges that broadband is an essential infrastructure investment.
It asks the province to build partnerships with all levels of government to leverage funding to respond to local needs.
It suggests a fund matching formula as an incentive for private sector investment.
