Eligible applicants, including Internet service providers, are encouraged to apply for nearly $3 million available through the Connecting British Columbia program to improve high-speed Internet access in rural and remote communities.

Affordable high-speed Internet connectivity is a catalyst for economic diversification, opening the door for B.C. communities to a global market by linking citizens to the digital economy and improving their ability to connect with friends, access health care and education, and trade goods and services.

Preference will be given to projects that incorporate other funding sources toward the total project cost. For example, funds could be leveraged from the private sector, trusts, non-government organizations and through other levels of government. Applications must be submitted to Northern Development Initiative Trust and will remain open until the program budget is exhausted.

To apply for funding, applicants must be legally registered entities. Examples include:

• Local or regional Internet service providers
• Community high-speed Internet connectivity organizations
• Aboriginal organizations
• Local governments such as regional districts or municipalities
• Economic development organizations
• Registered societies and associations

Connecting British Columbia is a $10 million grant program provided by the Province and administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust to expand and upgrade broadband connection, particularly last-mile infrastructure access, in rural communities. More than $7 million has been awarded to date, supporting nearly $22 million worth of broadband improvements.

Quotes:

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk –

“We are committed to providing high-speed Internet access to 100% of the province by end of 2021 as part of our #BCTECH Strategy. Through improved broadband availability, British Columbians in all corners of the province are better able to access health care information, online educational opportunities and additional government services.”

Northern Development Initiative Trust CEO Janine North –

“Northern Development Initiative Trust has supported over 150 remote communities through this program to date. We look forward to awarding the final $3 million and urge local service providers and other organizations to take advantage of this opportunity to expand Internet access provincewide.”

Lytton area wireless society project manager Robert Richards –

“It is our goal to provide fast and reliable broadband access so British Columbians can live and work in small towns. This wouldn’t be possible without the support from the provincial government, which is enabling us to provide high-speed fibre to Lytton area homes.”

Quick Facts:

• So far, more than 33,000 households in over 150 communities ranging from Topley Landing to Ryder Lake will receive expanded high-speed Internet access through Connecting B.C.
• As of June, 15 B.C. communities now have improved broadband availability, with over 85 more scheduled for completion by the end of 2016.

Learn More:

Connecting British Columbia program: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/business-development/connecting-british-columbia/

Northern Development Initiative Trust: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca