People in more than 400 households will soon have better access to high-speed internet as 11 more rural Vancouver Island, northern and central coast communities get connected.
Projects will serve remote and rural communities, such as Oona River (northern coast), Echo Bay and Health Bay, including Gwayasdums 1 of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation on Gilford Island (central coast), Firvale (Bella Coola valley) and Oclucje of Nuchatlaht First Nation on Vancouver Island. A total of seven last-mile projects will be built and operated by internet service provider CityWest.
“We’re helping people across the province to access employment, health care, education and training by partnering with service providers to bring fibre-to-home connectivity to rural, remote and Indigenous communities,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “With access to high-speed internet, people living in the north Island, central and northern coast regions will be able to fully participate in the digital world from their homes and communities.”
CityWest, in partnership with Strathcona Regional District, is also building a new fibre-transport link between Campbell River and Gold River. This project will enhance regional transport capacity, including capacity for the Connected Coast Network, which spans approximately 2,810 kilometres of fibre and landing sites on beaches along coastal B.C., providing improved connectivity for several coastal communities.
“Expanding connectivity means greater access to jobs, education and government services that people rely on,” said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. “With improved access to high-speed internet, people can remain rooted in their home communities, while still accessing the services they need.”
The Province is investing more than $1 million through the Connecting Communities BC program, administered by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services. The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.25 million through its Universal Broadband Fund and CityWest will contribute more than $1 million. The First Nations Health Authority will also contribute approximately $224,000 toward projects in Health Bay (Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis) and Echo Bay on Gilford Island and Tsatsisnukwomi Village on Harbledown Island, both located on the central coast.
Since 2017, the Province has invested $584 million to expand connectivity in British Columbia. In 2017, the federal government estimated 57% of homes in rural and remote areas and 66% of homes on First Nation reserves in B.C. had access to high-speed internet. As of January 2025, approximately 74% of rural homes and approximately 83% of homes on First Nations reserves had access to high-speed internet.
Quotes:
Buckley Belanger, federal Secretary of State (Rural Development) –
“Access to high-speed internet is about more than just getting online – it’s about being able to study, see a doctor virtually, run a business or connect with loved ones. These projects are going to make a real difference for people in rural communities and that’s why our government is committed to making sure every household in Canada, no matter where it’s located, has the reliable connection it needs.”
Learn More:
Connectivity in B.C.: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc
Connecting Communities BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc/20530/20601
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