VAUGHAN – MPP Lecce announced bringing high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved homes and businesses in Township of King marking another milestone in its plan to help connect every corner of the province by the end of 2025.
"Too many families and businesses in our rural community do not have access to high-speed internet, which is why we are investing to connect more homes, businesses and farms across King," said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan. "This investment will connect nearly 510 underserved homes and businesses to high-speed internet in the city of Vaughan. By taking this next step, we are one step closer to connecting every home to the internet -- helping students with their studies, businesses getting their products to new markets, or families accessing services."
“Our government is ensuring every community in Ontario has access to reliable high-speed internet,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “We are making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families in areas such as Township of King Through our tremendous progress, more Ontarians will be able to have access to reliable high-speed internet no matter where they live.”
The government estimates that there are as many as 510 underserved homes and businesses in the city of Vaughan. Following a two-stage competitive process, Bell Canada has signed an agreement with the province to bring high-speed internet access to homes and businesses. In total, the province has signed agreements with eight internet service providers to bring access to up to 266,000 unserved and underserved homes and businesses in as many as 339 municipalities across Ontario.
Today’s announcement is part of Ontario’s historic investment of nearly $4 billion to bring access to reliable high-speed internet across the province, which will help ensure that every home and business, in every community, can participate in today’s economy.
QUOTES
“I am pleased to welcome today’s announcement that the Province of Ontario is bringing high-speed internet access to underserved homes and businesses in the City of Vaughan. I want to thank the Province, Minister Surma and Minister Lecce for their continued efforts on this critical province-building priority. Access to fast and reliable internet is essential. Enhanced high-speed infrastructure will help businesses expand, create new jobs, and connect more residents to the services and information they need. Inclusivity, respect, and connection are essential values in Vaughan. We are committed to working closely with our government partners to ensure all residents have equal access to opportunities to engage in every aspect of civic life and ensure no one is left behind.”
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C.
City of Vaughan
QUICK FACTS
The Ontario government has committed over $950 million to nearly 190 broadband, cellular and satellite projects to date, bringing faster internet access to over 375,000 homes and businesses across the province, and significantly improving cellular connectivity throughout Eastern Ontario.
In 2021, Ontario passed the Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021 to help speed up construction of broadband projects. To build upon this legislation, the Ontario government passed the Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022 which further reduces barriers, duplication and delays.
Expanding access to high-speed internet 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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