More people in easternmost Essex County will now enjoy access to high speed internet.
The federal and provincial governments announced Friday morning that $3.1-million have been invested to provide high speed internet service to people living near the region's border with Chatham-Kent. The investment, a partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., will bring reliable internet service to people in Lighthouse Cove, Marentette Beach, and Stoney Point [Pointe aux Roches].
"Our government is proud to partner with the Government of Ontario to connect three additional communities in Southern Ontario to a strong and reliable high-speed network," said Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk. "These communities will now have access to an improved cellular connection, allowing residents and businesses to access important essential services wherever they are."
High speed internet is now available to 1,915 residents and businesses in those three communities.
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones said now, more than ever, being connected is vital, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
"By building new broadband infrastructure in Essex County, we’re helping to build Ontario and strengthen rural communities," said Jones. "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."
SWIFT is a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario, with Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara serving as its chairman.
The investment is part of Queens Park's $4-billion plan to bring high speed internet to all of Ontario by the end of 2025. The federal and provincial governments have each contributed more than $63-million to SWIFT through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component, Small Communities Fund.
Complete information about Ontario's high-speed internet plans can be found on the province's official website.