More than 850 households in 11 rural, remote and Indigenous communities between Yale and Ruby Creek in the Fraser Valley have access to reliable, high-speed broadband internet services.

“The completion of this project takes us another step closer to our goal of connecting all communities to high-speed internet by 2027 so people anywhere in B.C. can access learning, jobs and services, like health care, as well as a wealth of local and global economic opportunities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “Connectivity for these 11 communities provides a foundation for community growth, supporting people with the option to stay and invest in the communities they call home.”

The project built new network infrastructure serving residents in the communities of Dogwood Valley, Squeah and Yale, as well as the Indigenous communities of Yale First Nation (Yale Town 1, Albert Flat 5, Lukseetsissum 9 and Stullawheets 8), Chawathil First Nation (Chawathil 4 and Schkam 2) and Sq’ewá:lxw (Skawahlook) First Nation (Skawahlook 1 and Ruby Creek 2). The infrastructure enables access to internet speeds of more than 50 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads.

“Without the hard work and dedication of Telus and government to bring high-speed internet access to our community, my business would never be able to run or keep up to the everyday changes in technology,” said Jolena Hope, business owner, resident and member of Yale First Nation. “Like any business, we need to grow and reliable, high-speed internet has provided us with the opportunity to connect with people within the community and beyond. These days it’s critical for small businesses, like mine, to keep up with changes, connect with people and learn so we can succeed – connectivity helps us achieve this.”

The Province has invested as much as $2.9 million through the Connecting British Columbia program, administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust, for the approximately $3.9-million project. Service provider Telus Communications Inc. contributed approximately $1 million.

“Our community has several ongoing strategic initiatives in progress, and internet connectivity has been a missing piece in Chawathil’s growth and in our ability to operate in the digital age,” said Chief Norman Florence, Chawathil First Nation. “We were on dial-up and to stay competitive and fully execute on our long-term strategy, we needed to upgrade our Nation’s access to the best high-speed connectivity available. Between participating in virtual meetings and sharing large land files, high-speed internet is necessary for all these basic government needs today.”

The Province’s investment is part of the StrongerBC initiative under B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan to build the economy with an eye toward inclusive growth for communities throughout B.C. Connecting Indigenous communities is also a commitment under recommendation 4.36 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.

Ensuring access to high-speed connectivity for all British Columbians is a priority for government. To complete the work of connecting people throughout the province, British Columbia partnered with the federal government in March 2022 to provide as much as $830 million for high-speed internet service expansion to all remaining rural and First Nation households in B.C. by 2027, levelling the playing field for British Columbians and ensuring every community has better access to jobs, education, training and health care.

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.gov.bc.ca/economic-plan/  

A backgrounder follows.