New program brings high-speed Internet access to the Holland Marsh

Bradfordtoday.ca
July 28, 2021

With an ambitious plan to bring high-speed internet to every community across the province, Ontario is announcing an investment of up to $14.7 million for 13 new projects under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program. These projects will bring reliable, high-speed internet to 42 communities across the province, including York-Simcoe.

Town of East Gwillimbury to receive up to $1,920,101
Township of King to receive up to $599,375

Ontario’s ICON investment will help expand high-speed internet to more areas, from Belleville to Bancroft, Muskoka Lakes to Puslinch, and Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls to Moose Cree First Nation. Ontario is partnering financially on these projects with various organizations who applied for provincial funding under the ICON program.

“For years, reliable access to high speed internet has been a top issue in York -- Simcoe,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe. “With more people working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for better access is greater than ever.”

“I’m pleased that, as part of Ontario’s historic investment in high-speed internet, York - Simcoe is receiving more than $2.5 million, bringing thousands of households up to speed. This is a major step forward that will make it easier for people to work, learn, start a business, and access essential services, like healthcare -- no matter where you live.”

“Our government continues to bring high-speed internet access across the province, including to several remote and First Nation communities,” said the Honourable Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This investment will connect over 17,000 homes and businesses with access to reliable, high-speed internet. We’re doing everything we can to help ensure no one is left behind in today’s digital world.”

These projects will help Ontario move forward in its plan to achieve 100 per cent connectivity after committing nearly $4 billion to ensure all Ontarians have access to high-speed internet by the end of 2025. This is the largest single investment in high-speed internet, in any province, by any government in Canadian history.

High-speed internet is critical for access to vital services like health care, education, employment and justice, while increasing opportunity for everyone. This investment is part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.

With vaccines being distributed, hope is on the horizon. Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy provides the resources necessary to finish the battle with COVID-19, building on the government’s record investments to protect health and jobs during the global pandemic.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario recently announced a new innovative procurement process to help connect underserved and unserved communities across the province. This new delivery model will be led by Infrastructure Ontario, with procurement beginning this summer.
• Last year, the Province launched the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program, a multi-year program that aims to support approved high-speed internet and cellular projects.
• Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan is already providing internet and cellular access to homes and businesses in communities across Ontario.
• The Province has invested in initiatives to improve connectivity across Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. It has also invested in high-speed internet projects in rural and Northern Ontario, such as through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Next Generation Network Program.
• Expanding access to high-speed internet is part of Ontario Onwards: Ontario’s COVID-19 Action Plan for a People-Focused Government, which includes more than 30 projects that are changing the way people and businesses interact with government.