The Province of B.C. is partnering with TELUS, BC Hydro and All Nations Trust Company to connect the west coast of Vancouver Island to faster and higher capacity Internet service.

The multi-million dollar investment in new fibre-optic cable along Highway 4 will enhance communications services to west coast Island communities such as Tofino, Ucluelet and Ahousat. This significant investment will improve capacity and alleviate congestion, greatly improve the quality of service available in these communities and expand high-speed service to residents and businesses including nearby coastal communities for the first time.

BC Hydro has already begun to prepare its poles to support the additional weight of the fibre lines. Once complete, TELUS will begin to string the new fibre optic cable along the fortified hydro poles, likely next spring or summer. While weather will dictate the pace of work during the winter months, all parties anticipate the build will be complete by early 2016.

Connecting First Nations is the goal of ANTCO’s Pathways to Technology Project. Thanks to ANTCO’s commitment, First Nation communities around the province are being connected through custom solutions that reflect individual communities’ current needs and expected growth. ANTCO is contributing to both the fibre build as well as “last mile” infrastructure, which will connect the new fibre network directly to local First Nations communities. 

The first stage of construction will take place from Great Central Lake to the Long Beach Junction. Single-lane road closures will be required to safely complete the work. Local communities will be notified in advance of any traffic disruptions as the project proceeds.

Quotes:

Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services -

“Internet connectivity is increasingly essential in today’s world, and that’s why projects like this one, made possible by a collaborative partnership between the Province, TELUS, BC Hydro, and All Nations Trust Company, are so important for British Columbians. This new connection will have a lasting impact on the west coast of Vancouver Island, bringing better service to the families and businesses in the region.”
 
Ray Lawson, TELUS general manager for Vancouver Island -

“This significant investment will create immediate and long-lasting benefits for west coast Island communities, while laying the groundwork for TELUS to offer customers expanded services in the coming years. This fibre connection will support the local tourism economy, allow local healthcare providers to adopt new technologies in their practices, and bring local students fast access to information now and into the future.”

Greg Reimer, executive vice president, Transmission & Distribution, BC Hydro -

“I’m pleased that BC Hydro is able to be part of this important collaboration. The project is a win for everyone - BC Hydro is re-investing in transmission infrastructure which paves the way for our partners to install the new fibre optic cable that will bring the benefits of high-speed Internet to these Vancouver Island communities.”
 
Paul Donald, CEO, All Nations Trust Company -

“We’re pleased to contribute to this project; it’s providing an opportunity to connect local First Nations with high-speed access. Having this kind of service can help improve access to educational and economic resources for the residents of these communities.”

Quick Facts:

• Once complete, the new fibre will replace the existing radio link backhaul infrastructure to provide high-speed Internet to the area.
• More than 93% of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet.
• To date, 184 out of 203 B.C. First Nations communities have access to broadband infrastructure. This is a dramatic increase from only 85 communities having access in 2008.
• The B.C. government has committed to ensuring 100% of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet connections by 2021.

Learn More:

TELUS: telus.com

BC Hydro: bchydro.com

All Nations Trust Company: http://www.antco.bc.ca/

Pathways to Technology Project: http://www.pathwaystotechnology.ca/

Network BC: http://www.network.gov.bc.ca

Media Contacts:

Blair Phelps
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services
250 889-9726

Liz Sauvé
TELUS Media Relations
604 719-6715
liz.sauve@telus.com