People in the west Vancouver Island communities of Toquaht Nation and Salmon Beach will soon be getting better access to high-speed internet.

“For people to thrive in remote communities, access to high-speed internet is key to community growth and engagement, remote work and better access to health care and online services,” said George Chow, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “These projects in Toquaht Nation and Salmon Beach take us another step closer in our commitment to connect every household in the province.”

More than 400 households on western Vancouver Island near Ucluelet will benefit from new connectivity infrastructure, including Toquaht Nation territory that includes Salmon Beach and m̓aʔaquuʔa (Macoah, the Nation’s primary residential village). Two “last-mile” projects will be built and operated by internet service provider CityWest.

“Most of us take for granted that we can go online when we need to engage with others. For people who live in remote areas, that is often not the case,” said John Jack, chair, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. “This investment could change the lives of the people living in Toquaht and Salmon Beach. It will establish access to high-speed internet and will create meaningful opportunity.”

The Province is investing up to $700,000 through the Connecting Communities B.C. program, administered by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services. The Government of Canada is also investing up to $700,000 through its Universal Broadband Fund. CityWest will contribute approximately $835,000.

“Investments in high-speed internet play a big role in our strategy to build strong and diverse rural economies,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “Once completed, these projects will provide broad benefit for people in these Vancouver Island communities, delivering high-speed broadband access to unlock exciting new possibilities for residents and visitors.”

The Province’s investment is part of StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, the Province’s program to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home.

“For the t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥ people, high-speed internet is about respecting our masčim (community members) by ensuring access to education, employment and economic opportunity. It supports our t̓aat̓neʔis (children) in learning, helps adults find meaningful work, attracts investment and strengthens overall community well-being,” said Chief Anne Mack, Toquaht First Nation. “Connectivity also allows us to share our haaḥuupacamis (teachings), engage with ʔeʔiičum (Elders), and remain connected to one another no matter where we are. This is about more than infrastructure. It is about unlocking the potential of our people and building a stronger future together.”

In March 2022, the governments of British Columbia and Canada announced a partnership to invest as much as $830 million to expand high-speed internet services. The Province also made a specific commitment to connect every First Nations community to high-speed internet services in the government’s Declaration Act Action Plan.

Since 2017, the Province has invested $584 million to expand connectivity in British Columbia. As of January 2025, approximately 74% of rural homes and approximately 83% of homes on First Nations reserves have access to high-speed internet.

The Connecting British Columbia and Connecting Communities BC funding programs support projects to expand high-speed internet services to rural and remote areas of the province. The plan to provide access to high-speed internet to all households will level the playing field for people in British Columbia, ensuring better access to services and economic opportunities for every community.

Quotes:

Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“It’s essential for members of Toquaht Nation and all those living in the remote areas of Vancouver Island to have reliable high-speed internet. These projects help advance Toquaht’s interests in important areas like economic growth, health-care access, education and cultural preservation, for the betterment of the entire region.”

Buckley Belanger, federal secretary of state for rural development –

“In today’s age, high-speed internet access isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Our federal government was proud to partner with the province and CityWest to bring improved connectivity services for people in the communities of Toquaht Nation and Salmon Beach.”

Steve Morissette, B.C. parliamentary secretary for rural development –

“No matter where you live, access to high-speed internet has become so important for everyone. I’m thrilled to see these projects on Vancouver Island move forward, as part of our commitment to support improved connectivity for all rural and remote communities throughout British Columbia.”

Stefan Woloszyn, chief executive officer, CityWest –

“Today’s announcement sets the stage for improved connectivity to more underserved communities throughout the province. CityWest’s fibre-to-the-home projects will bring these residents and businesses urban-class connectivity, creating equal opportunities for more rural, remote and Indigenous British Columbians. We would like to express our thanks to the Province of B.C. and the federal government for their vision on ensuring that these communities are able to unlock their connectivity destiny.”

Learn More:

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

Connecting Communities B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc/20530/20601

StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Good-Lives-Strong-Communities-2023.pdf

Universal Broadband Fund: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/high-speed-internet-canada/en/universal-broadband-fund