CHERRYVILLE - High-speed Internet service is coming to Cherryville, thanks to a $250,000 grant from the government of B.C.

Today's announcement means by the end of this year, over 1,000 area residents will benefit from a partnership between the government of B.C., the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and the private sector, including a local Internet service provider.

Local businesses, especially those in Cherryville's growing wood and tourism sectors, will be able to compete in broader markets, giving them the opportunity to expand their messages globally through online marketing and sales.

This one-time $250,000 grant will help pay for the estimated $300,000 cost to build the necessary infrastructure. An additional $50,000 was raised by the RDNO through the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust.

Since 2001, high-speed Internet access has reached hundreds of communities and total connectivity in B.C. has increased from 82 per cent to 93 per cent. Today's grant for Cherryville is another step forward in the government's commitment to achieve 100 per cent connectivity by 2021. It will enable the RDNO to select an Internet service provider to get the service up and running by the end of 2013.

Quotes:

Minister of Citizens' Services and Open Government Ben Stewart -

"Improved Internet access in Cherryville will put information at people's fingertips, from access to government services to health and educational resources. This project is another example of how the government of B.C. is making prudent fiscal investments to help reach its goal of bringing the benefits of today's digital technology to all British Columbians by 2021."

Eugene Foisy, Electoral Area "E", Regional District of North Okanagan -

"We're thrilled to receive this funding from the government of B.C. Businesses and families across the Cherryville area will be able to join the high-speed Internet community, which is crucial to the economic viability of residents in the region."

MLA for Vernon-Monashee Eric Foster -

"I had heard from the community firsthand about their ongoing need for better Internet connectivity. This has been a group effort by the community, the regional district and government. I'm proud to have helped bring this service to the Cherryville area and I'm looking forward to seeing the benefits high-speed Internet access will bring to people in the region."

Lisa Larson, owner, log home construction business -

"My husband and I co-own a B.C.-based business in a highly competitive market. Access to high-speed Internet will help level the playing field for us. Our daily business routine is going to become much easier, from filing government paperwork, doing our banking and most importantly, sharing photos and building plans with customers. We can't wait to get started!"

Quick Facts:

Connectivity in B.C. and the Connecting British Columbia Agreement between TELUS and the Province:

• 93 per cent of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet.

• The agreement maintains 119 Internet points of presence within communities throughout the province, ensuring local Internet service providers have the required network capacity.

• Since 2011 cellular coverage has been expanded over 580 kilometres of primary and secondary highways within B.C.

• Since 2011 188 public schools have been upgraded from legacy copper to fibre optic Internet connections.

Learn More:

Read about how Network BC is connecting B.C. at: http://www.network.gov.bc.ca/

Contact:

Lara Perzoff
Communications Manager
Ministry of Citizens' Services and Open Government
250 387-0172