Connecting British Columbia

Description

The high cost of providing infrastructure for citizens in and around rural and remote communities in B.C. has been identified by municipal governments, First Nations, Regional Districts, regional Internet service providers, and community advocates as one of the key barriers to expanding Internet services. 

The Connecting British Columbia program helps pay for infrastructure required to deliver high-speed Internet connectivity to rural and remote areas of the province.

The program is funded by the Province of British Columbia (Network BC) and is administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Phase Two – Intake Two & Three

Connectivity Infrastructure Strategy Funding

This program intake is to provide funding support for local municipal governments, regional districts and First Nations with limited capacity to undertake a connectivity infrastructure strategy (e.g., feasibility assessments, business cases, developing applications) to develop sustainable connectivity infrastructure projects.

Last-Mile Project Funding

The program intake is to provide funding for last-mile projects to ensure that infrastructure investments are, to the extent possible, coordinated, and scalable, provide value for money and achieve priority objectives for the region.

Transport Infrastructure Funding

This program intake is to provide funding for new infrastructure projects, upgrades to existing infrastructure or expansion of existing transport infrastructure and to ensure that these investments are, to the extent possible, coordinated, scalable, provide value for money and achieve priority objectives for the region.

Phase One

Phase one of the program resulted in $10 million being invested into last mile infrastructure that connected more than 43,000 homes and businesses to high-speed Internet in rural and remote areas of B.C. This has provided numerous communities with increased opportunities for economic diversification and lifestyle enhancements, access to new business opportunities, services, education and ways to connect with family and friends.