TOWN OF CALEDON – The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $3.6 million to bring reliable high-speed internet to 964 families, farms, and businesses in the Town of Caledon and Dufferin County.
“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in infrastructure that supports inclusive communities, creates jobs, supports a strong economy, and builds greener, more resilient communities. Today’s announcement is an example of our commitment to a strong and resilient Canada, now and in the future,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
The federal and provincial governments have partnered with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. to provide 299 residents in The Grange with access to broadband infrastructure that will enable high-speed internet service. In neighbouring Dufferin County, 665 residents in the communities of Redickville, Honeywood, Black Bank, Ruskview, Terra Nova, Kilgorie, Horning’s Mills, Whitfield and Springwater have also gained access to high-speed internet service through SWIFT.
“Our government continues to deliver on its commitment to expand access to high-speed internet to communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “By building new broadband infrastructure in the Town of Caledon and Dufferin County, we’re helping to build Ontario and strengthen rural communities. 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.”
This announcement marks the completion of two more projects under SWIFT and builds on the Ontario government’s plan to get the right infrastructure in the right places – ensuring people can live, work, and farm where they want.
“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to prosper in our increasingly digital world,” said Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North. “Today’s announcement marks another milestone for homes, businesses, and farms in the Town of Caledon and Dufferin County that are now able to connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”
“I am pleased to see this ongoing investment for high-speed internet service in Dufferin-Caledon,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “Reliable internet is so important for our rural communities to keep businesses, schools and families connected.”
The contracts to expand broadband services in the Town of Caledon and Dufferin County were awarded by SWIFT, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.
More than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector to bring high-speed internet access to more than 63,000 homes and businesses in Southwestern Ontario through SWIFT.
“In a world increasingly reliant on digital connectivity, access to high-speed internet is not just a convenience but a fundamental necessity,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “With the successful completion of these two high-speed broadband projects, more than 960 previously underserved homes and businesses in Dufferin County and Caledon now have access to fibre-optic connectivity, unlocking countless opportunities for residents while empowering local businesses to compete and thrive.”
Quick Facts
- The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing more than $63 million to SWIFT through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – Small Communities Fund.
- The Ontario government is investing nearly $4 billion to bring high-speed internet access to every corner of the province by the end of 2025. This is the largest single investment in high-speed internet in Canadian history.
- In July 2021, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced a historic agreement that will bring high-speed internet access to more than 280,000 Ontario households across the province through a joint investment totaling more than $1.2 billion.
- Ontario launched a new interactive online map that shows where provincially funded high-speed internet projects are planned, currently under way, or have been recently completed in communities across the province. Ontarians can visit Ontario.ca/highspeedinternet and search by address, community or municipality to find out more about provincially funded high-speed internet projects and where high-speed internet service is currently available.
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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