High-speed internet access for people and businesses in the Creston Valley area of the Kootenays is available after the installation of new wireless infrastructure.

“Every investment in connectivity is an investment toward our province’s continued success,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “The completion of this project is a step forward in our commitment to connect all remaining households in B.C. to high-speed internet by 2027, empowering people with the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our future.”

Upgraded fixed wireless infrastructure has been installed in areas near Glenlily, Huseroft, Kingsgate, Kitchener, Kuskonook, Moyie, Sanca, West Creston and Yahk. Upgraded infrastructure will allow the service provider to offer access to broadband internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads.

“The past two years have highlighted how reliable high-speed internet service is critical to access services including work, school, health care and community events,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “I’m pleased to see that communities in the Creston Valley, Yahk and the East Shore will now be able to access high-speed internet, ensuring people have the tools they need to thrive.”

The Province invested as much as $392,000 through the Connecting British Columbia program, which is administered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust. The provincial investment is part of the total cost of the project, which is expected to be approximately $1.7 million. The connectivity upgrade project also received as much as $888,000 in federal funding. Internet service provider Swift Internet Inc. contributed as much as $315,000, with the remaining cost covered by the Regional District of East Kootenay and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.

“We care deeply about the Kootenay communities that we serve. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we felt a responsibility to invest in upgrading our network,” said Kitt Santano, president, Swift Internet. “Federal, provincial and local government programs all contributed to bringing reliable, affordable high-speed internet to close to 1,500 underserved households. We couldn't be prouder.”

The Province’s investment is part of the StrongerBC initiative under B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan to build back a strong economy that focuses on inclusive growth for communities.

Learn More:

Connectivity in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc

Northern Development Initiative Trust: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/partner-programs/connecting-british-columbia/

StrongerBC: BC's Economic Plan: https://strongerbc.ca/plan