Photo: Cheryl Gallant, MP with Conservative  Eastern Ontario Caucus Chair Daryl Kramp for the Announcement


Renfrew County, Ontario — Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, is pleased to confirm that Ontario’s largest rural broadband network is ready to begin construction, starting on September 3rd.  The high-speed Internet infrastructure project will connect with local delivery systems to expand service to an estimated 1 million residents and businesses in Eastern Ontario.

“Local residents know that broadband, affordable high-speed internet, is something that I have been working towards for a number of years on behalf of the underserviced residents of our riding. I wish to acknowledge and thank the BRAVO task force that I established for this purpose as well as members of the public who took the time to respond to the surveys I sent out on this issue,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP. Once our Government was elected, I was able to present the case that without public sector funding, our residents would be disadvantaged by not having access to high speed internet. Being able to present the stacks of surveys as a clear indication of local interest was beneficial.”

As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan that has resulted in millions in infrastructure investments in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, the two senior levels of government have each set aside $55 million towards eligible costs. The remaining funding consists of $70 million from Bell Aliant and Bell Canada and $10 million from the Eastern Ontario Counties together for total estimated costs of $190 million. Barrett Xplore Inc. is working with the Counties to assist in the delivery of their contribution to this project.

“As a Government Caucus member, I remain committed to delivering investments that help create jobs and build strong, sustainable communities now and for years to come in Renfrew County,” said MP Gallant. “The construction of a broadband network in our part of Eastern Ontario will help to expand and improve local businesses and their services, connect family and friends to one another, and significantly boost our regional economy.”

Through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component, the governments of Canada and Ontario target larger, strategic projects of national and regional significance. Projects that support economic growth such as connectivity and broadband qualify for joint funding under this fund.

“There is an opportunity for all Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke residents who want access to high-speed internet, broadband, to be included in this project. Anyone who has not done so, I encourage them to contact my office and I will make sure that their location is identified as one that wants broadband for their home or business,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.