Summary

• New fibre will connect 50 rural and Indigenous communities and localities in the region, including Falkland, Kingfisher, Silver Creek, Rock Creek, Okanagan 1 of the Okanagan Indian Band and Neskonlith 1 of the Neskonlith Indian Band
• The project supports access to health care, education, employment and government for rural and Indigenous residents in the region
• The governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing $63 million as part of a larger investment to extend fibre-optic internet to as many as 4,000 households in the Thompson-Okanagan region

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People and businesses in the Thompson-Okanagan region will soon have access to quicker, more reliable internet through a joint investment by Canada and British Columbia to bring fibre-optic connectivity to more rural and Indigenous communities.

“High-speed internet is essential infrastructure for people to learn, work, connect, access health care and grow their businesses, no matter where they live,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “Through our partnership with the Government of Canada and Telus, we are expanding reliable connectivity across the regions like Thompson-Okanagan, ensuring more families, businesses and Indigenous communities can grow the region’s economy while benefiting from new opportunities close to home.”

Through the Connecting Communities BC program and the federal Universal Broadband Fund, $63 million will support the construction of a new fibre-optic network serving nearly 4,000 households in 50 communities. The $63-million fund is part of a larger federal and provincial investment to improve network capacity and help close connectivity gaps for rural and Indigenous residents.

A stronger digital foundation for every Okanagan community

The new fibre-optic network will create a dedicated, high-capacity connection in the Thompson-Okanagan region, strengthening the digital foundation that communities, businesses and First Nations rely on every day, including:

• remote health‑care delivery and telehealth
• emergency response and public safety
• government services
• education and online learning
• tourism and local business operations
• community and social networking

Expanding opportunity for rural and Indigenous communities

Telus will lead the design and construction of the fibre-optic network, with completion anticipated in 2029. The project will reach 50 communities, including Okanagan 1, Rock Creek, Sorrento, Falkland, Chase (Rural), Kettle Valley and Westbridge, areas where geography and distance have historically limited access to reliable internet.

In March 2022, the governments of British Columbia and Canada announced a partnership to invest $830 million to expand high-speed internet services. The governments of British Columbia and Canada are committed to connecting all remaining under-served households, ensuring better access to services and economic opportunities in every community.

The Connecting Communities BC program supports projects like this to expand high-speed internet access to rural and remote areas, levelling the playing field for people in British Columbia.

Quotes:

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby –

“Reliable high-speed internet helps people access services, pursue education, grow businesses and stay connected to their communities. Through this investment, we are helping more people throughout the Thompson-Okanagan region benefit from the opportunities that connectivity brings, while supporting stronger communities and local economies for years to come.”

Steve Morissette, parliamentary secretary for rural development –

“Staying connected for rural folks is a necessity for safety, quality of life, and for a community’s growth and economic development. Connectivity investments like this one are vital to ensuring people in local communities thrive from online access to business, education and employment opportunities.”  

Liz Wong, vice-president of national network planning, Telus –

“Telus is committed to bridging the digital divide across British Columbia. Through our partnership with the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Connected Communities BC program, we're bringing reliable high-speed fibre connectivity to underserved communities, enabling residents and businesses to access world-class education, health-care services and economic opportunities that fuel B.C.’s prosperity. Connectivity is fundamental to ensuring every British Columbian can fully participate in our digital economy and build thriving futures.”

Doug Haughton, director, Area L, Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) –

“This investment highlights the strong partnership between British Columbia and the Government of Canada, and a shared commitment to building reliable infrastructure where it’s needed most. For our communities, including families, businesses and First Nations across the TNRD Grasslands, it means better connectivity and greater access to the opportunities that come with it.”

Learn More:

• Connectivity in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc
• StrongerBC: B.C.’s economic plan: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/economic-plan/
• Connecting Communities BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc/20530/20601
• Universal Broadband Fund: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/high-speed-internet-canada/en/universal-broadband-fund

A backgrounder follows.