New federal funding to secure high-speed internet access for Ottawa’s rural communities on its way

By Dani-Elle Dubé

Federal funding is coming down the pipes for Ottawa's rural communities — money that will help bring high-speed internet into communities who lack it.

Marie-France Lalonde, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and MP for Orleans, confirmed Wednesday that the federal government will be giving $620,000 for Rogers to bring in high-speed internet to several communities.

The project targets 146 households in communities that include the Carlsbad Springs area, communities of Navan, Vars and Blackburn Hamlet.

“The pandemic has brought to light the importance of being connected to proper broadband services,” Lalonde said in a statement. “For these families, connectivity is not a luxury, but a necessity.”

“Whether it is working remotely, studying online, accessing virtual health care services or running a business, high-speed connectivity is essential to keeping Canadians connected to the people and things that matter most,” Phil Hartling, executive vice president of service expansion at Rogers, added.

The money comes from the Universal Broadband Fund, a $2.75 billion fund that was launched in November 2020.

Projects funded under the UBF, as well as through other public and private investments, will help connect 98 per cent of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026 and achieve a national target of 100 per cent connectivity by 2030.

“The planned Rogers high-speed Internet expansion will change many lives in our area and promote its economic and social development. It is a game changer for many homeowners who have struggled for many years with poor or limited Internet service and connectivity,” Denis Labrèche, past president of the Carlsbad Springs Community Association, said.

Applications to the fund were accepted until March 2021, and are no being evaluated.

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