The Municipality of North Perth has announced that new broadband upgrades will improve internet services across the region.

North Perth announced in a media release that Mornington Communications successfully submitted two projects for Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) funding to improve internet services in rural areas.

The project will provide fibre to Donegal and Surrounding Rural Area, including the installation of fibre optics in the rural areas between Monkton and Donegal, from Highway 23 east to the edge of North Peth. This project will make broadband internet available to 190 homes, businesses and farms.

And fibre will be provided to Britton and Surrounding Rural Area, including the installation of fibre options in the rural areas from Highway 23 east to the edge of North Perth and Line 81 to Highway 86. This project will make broadband internet available to 149 homes, businesses and farms.  Mornington Communications anticipates the projects to start in spring 2022. Once these two projects are complete, broadband internet will be available in the majority of the Elma Ward.

Wightman Telecom was awarded a contract to deploy fibre -optic cabling along a kilometre of underserviced roadway within the Municipality of North Perth to bring high-speed connectivity to 91 households and businesses at The Village Park. Construction of the $274,000 fibre-to-the-home solution will be completed with services available by early 2022.

Last week, Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT)  awarded $3.7 million in federal and provincial funding to improve high-speed internet connectivity throughout the municipalities of North Perth, West Perth, and within the Township of Perth East.

In total, Perth County will receive $6.6 million in broadband upgrades, including more than $2.9 million in contributions from the internet service providers.

North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg, who serves as a member of the Board of Directors of SWIFT, welcomed the news. “Universal rural broadband access for North Perth has been a persistent need throughout my mayorship. That need has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen a commitment to online classes for our young. Our farmers need it. Our businesses need it. Even our Council needs it. This announcement from SWIFT is tremendous news for our community. SWIFT is doing outstanding work. I express sincere appreciation to the province of Ontario and the government of Canada for their wisdom in bringing funding to the table to get these projects done. I express appreciation to Mornington Communications and Wightman Telecom for their partnership with SWIFT.

“There is more to be done – and more that will be done to ensure that all within the boundaries of North Perth gain access to what is now an essential utility.”