High-speed broadband access expanded to 11 more rural communities

June 28, 2023

AGASSIZ – 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.

Contact:

Ministry of Citizens’ Services
Media Relations
250 889-8370

BACKGROUNDER

What people are saying about the expansion of high-speed internet in the Fraser Valley

Janita Peters-Kriegl, councillor, Yale First Nation –

“Our communities have been flourishing since having high-speed internet access in our homes and community centres. This has given our members the ability to stay connected with each other, such as our Yale First Nation Elders’ group communicating via Zoom with on- and off-reserve members and broadcasting entertainment on the TV during craft nights. Telus internet has and will continue to help our central office in Hope stay connected to our four communities.”

Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“Access to high-speed internet and infrastructure is essential for First Nations’ voices to be heard in today’s digital age. Our government is partnering with these communities to get them the services that they need. Connectivity opens the door to enhanced economic opportunities for First Nations communities, like the 11 communities part of this announcement today, who are creating services that cater to the needs of their community and surrounding areas.”

Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development –

“Access to high-speed internet is essential for anyone participating in today’s economy – especially for people in remote and rural communities. Expanding connectivity to rural communities can improve access to services and unlock major business and tourism opportunities that can help a community thrive.”

Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent –

“With the completion of this project, people in rural and Indigenous communities can have the same level of internet access as people and businesses in urban centres. Bringing high-speed internet access to underserved communities is a priority for our government, so people can thrive and succeed.”

Tony Geheran, executive vice-president and chief operations officer, Telus Communications Inc. –

“Guided by our social purpose and in partnership with Indigenous and provincial governments, Telus is committed to bridging digital divides across Canada to enable positive health, social, economic and cultural outcomes that will be felt for generations. We are proud to equip residents and businesses in this region of the Fraser Valley with the internet capacity and speeds they need to thrive in today’s digital world.”

Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust –

“Connecting more than 850 households in rural and remote Indigenous communities to reliable high-speed internet is something to be celebrated. Northern Development is pleased to administer the funding for this project through the Connecting British Columbia program, benefiting 11 communities in the Fraser Valley and enabling residents to fully participate in the digital economy. Additional benefits include the opportunity to build relationships with people in different geographic areas and access to new learning and sharing opportunities.”

Contact:

Ministry of Citizens’ Services
Media Relations
250 889-8370

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