High-Speed Internet For Dufferin County

DUFFERIN COUNTY: The governments of Ontario and Canada are investing more than $530,000 to bring fast, reliable high-speed internet to more than 140 families, farms and businesses in Dufferin County.

“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, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “This announcement will ensure that homes, businesses, and farms in Dufferin County can connect to essential online services and enjoy economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”

In partnership with Southwest Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc., the federal and provincial governments announced that high-speed internet service is now available for connection in the communities of Marsville, Orton, Prices Corner and Craigsholme.

“Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “By building new broadband infrastructure in Dufferin County, we are helping 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.”

Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, said: “This investment brings reliable internet to our rural communities which is so important for local businesses, schools and families to work, study and stay connected.”

The contracts to expand broadband services in Dufferin County were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation, initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.

“Together with the governments of Ontario and Canada we are pleased to announce the completion of a fibre-to-the-home project in Dufferin County that is now providing many more rural residents located in the Township of East Garafraxa with access to high-speed internet service,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “More than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector to bring highspeed internet access to more than 63,000 homes and businesses in Southwestern Ontario through SWIFT by the end of 2023.

• 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.

• 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 investment totaling more than $1.2 billion.

• 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

• High-speed internet provides easy access to more than 55 ServiceOntario online services. Renew your health card, driver’s products and more at Ontario. ca/Renew, book appointments at Ontario.ca/Appointment, and sign up for important renewal reminders at Ontario.ca/Reminders or at 1-800-387-3445 (TTY 1-800-268-7095).