High-Speed Internet Coming To Four Renfrew County Townships

Ontario is helping to bring high-speed Internet to residents and businesses in the Townships of McNab/Braeside, Admaston/Bromley, Greater Madawaska and Horton.

The four townships are among 14 Ontario municipalities moving forward with plans to build local broadband infrastructure in partnership with the provincial government. The province is providing the four townships with $329,106 for this project, through the Rural Connections Broadband Program.

The townships plan to partner with an Internet Service Provider to build the infrastructure and contribute to the project.

The province's Rural Connections Broadband Program helps rural municipalities build high-speed Internet projects in their communities. The program's goal is to bring broadband access to rural and remote areas currently underserved in southern Ontario.

QUOTES

"Since 2007, we have been filling in the broadband gaps in rural Ontario and turning miles into milliseconds. I am delighted that these four townships are part of this strategic move. Broadband Internet connects rural families and businesses with opportunities in commerce, health, education and community enrichment."
- Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"This is a giant leap forward for the people of this area. In 2007, our community task force advised Council that access to broadband would be the single biggest factor to continued economic development. I am proud that our four townships have been able to partner with the ministry in addressing this need."
- Mayor Mary Campbell, McNab/Braeside

QUICK FACTS

• Today's announcement of 14 new, rural broadband projects brings the total to 47 in less than two years.
• Broadband connectivity delivers more Internet information at speeds far greater than dial-up service.
• In the fall of 2007, 18 projects marked the first wave of broadband infrastructure projects undertaken jointly by rural municipalities and the province. In November 2008, 15 new projects were launched.

LEARN MORE

About the Rural Connections Broadband Program.

For more information, contact:

Sherry Persaud, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342

For information about the townships' project contact:
Noreen Mellema, CAO, McNab/Braeside Township, 613-623-5756