The Ontario government has signed contracts to provide 5,173 homes and businesses in Essex County with much-improved access to the internet.
"Thousands of residences within my riding will be getting access to much needed high-speed internet," announced Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls Friday.
The contracts are with the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology project, a not-for-profit corporation set up by local municipalities to address poor connectivity.
Construction worth more than $19 million in broadband infrastructure will move ahead.
Friday's announcement is part of a combined effort by the Ontario and federal governments.
"The challenge of not having good quality internet service has been amplified during the pandemic," added Irek Kusmierczyk, the MP for Windsor-Tecumseh. "Through our investments -- our government is connecting families in Southwestern Ontario so they can stay in touch with their loved ones, work or study from home and access essential services."
"Today's newly announced fibre projects will bring increased employment opportunities and significant economic benefits to Essex County, and further support the long-term sustainability of our rural communities," said SWIFT Board Chair David Mayberry.
