Rural HRM to Receive High Speed Internet Access

High-speed Internet access is being expanded throughout Halifax Regional Municipality as a result of funding announced today, Feb. 17, by the federal and provincial governments.

Peter MacKay, inister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities, and Bill Dooks, Minister of Energy, on behalf of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Jamie Muir, announced that the two governments are investing more than $2.6 million to expand broadband high-speed Internet service to 45 communities in rural areas of HRM.

The government of Canada is investing $1.1 million through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund and a further $945,919 through the federal-provincial Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The province of Nova Scotia is investing $607,200 through the infrastructure fund.

"The federal government is committed to building our country by first building strong vibrant communities," said Mr. MacKay. "One key to success is ensuring that all citizens have the ability to connect with each other and with the rest of the world."

"This project will enable 45 rural communities in HRM to be more competitive and productive and fits with our government’s goal to make Nova Scotia the most connected area in all of North America by the end of 2009," said Mr. Dooks. "Being connected will empower our people to live where they want and to grow their businesses anywhere in Nova Scotia."

The project includes design and construction of infrastructure to deploy broadband service to HRM areas that do not have access to high-speed Internet. When completed, it is expected that most businesses and households in HRM will have access.

"Broadband service will enable individuals, businesses, schools and tourism facilities in rural HRM to receive a service that is now found mainly in more densely populated areas," said Peter Kelly, mayor of HRM. "The result will be significant new support for business growth, job creation and an enhanced quality of life across the municipality."