More Norfolk County communities connected to broadband

Communities of Turkey Point and Normandale 

now have access to fast, reliable internet 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2021 

NORFOLK COUNTY – More than 900 residents and businesses in Norfolk County now have access to fast, reliable internet service due to the completion of construction of broadband infrastructure in the community. 

Norfolk County’s Turkey Point and Normandale communities can now take advantage of this $2.1 million infrastructure network project that will deliver reliable internet access to more homes and businesses and will help create jobs and economic growth in the county. 

Both the Governments of Canada and Ontario each committed $690,000 to fund the broadband network expansion to create more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of the county. 

“This is great news. Now more than ever robust broadband is essential all over Ontario,” said Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk. “This government recognizes that homes are offices as much as being places to live; we are making Haldimand-Norfolk homes places to thrive in business and optimize personal and recreational internet uses.” 

The contracts to expand fibre-optic broadband services in the community were awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario. To date, more than 3,190 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario have received access to improved broadband through SWIFT. 

“Rural Canadians deserve access to fast and reliable Internet,” said Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament of London North Centre. “That outcome, which this federal government is committed to, will help individuals, families and businesses in Turkey Point and Normandale. I know this area well and have heard from countless residents about the importance of an investment like this. The completion of construction and the connection of customers is tremendously significant in this community.” 

“The construction of broadband infrastructure in the communities of Turkey Point and Normandale is complete, and more people in Norfolk now have access to fast, reliable internet service,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This is an important step forward in our plan to deliver broadband that supports better educational opportunities, attracts more businesses, and creates jobs in Norfolk County.” 

 “At a time when access to high-speed internet is more important than ever, we are proud to be working alongside the governments of Ontario and Canada to bring greater connectivity to more homes and businesses across Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “Today we are pleased to announce that an additional 905 homes in Norfolk County now have access to fast, reliable internet service.” 

Efforts continue to bridge the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario, as part of a combined federal – provincial investment of more than $191 million to bring fast, reliable and affordable internet to thousands of homes and businesses. This will allow communities to attract new development, strengthen local economies and create more well-paying jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario. 

Quick Facts 

  • The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing more than $63 million to SWIFT through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – Small Communities Fund of the Investing in Canada plan. 
  • SWIFT Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation initiated by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario that will support the critical expansion of broadband to underserved areas. 
  • The 2021 Budget commits a historic new investment of $2.8 billion in broadband infrastructure to ensure that every region in the province has access to reliable broadband by the end of 2025. This brings the Province’s total investment to nearly $4 billion over six years. This proactive approach is the largest single investment in broadband, in any province, by any government in Canadian history. 
  • The Ontario government will continue to expand access to broadband and cellular service through the Improving Connectivity for Ontario program (ICON). It has doubled its investment in the program to $300 million. This multi-year program aims to support approved projects as early as 2021. 
  • The Province has invested in initiatives to improve connectivity across Eastern and Southwestern Ontario. It has also invested in broadband projects through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Next Generation Network Program. 
  • Expanding access to broadband and cellular service is part of Ontario Onwards: Ontario’s COVID-19 Action Plan for a People-Focused Government, which includes more than 30 projects that are changing the way people and businesses interact with government. 

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For more information contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org