Goulais River and other areas gets broadband upgrades, says David O

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

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Province Continuing to Build Up Northern Communities

Ontario is investing in the Northeast by helping to attract new business and improve broadband service in the area, announced David Orazietti, MPP.

“Our government is investing $383,636 to improve telecommunications infrastructure in the Sault area and Northeastern Ontario,” said Orazietti. “Today’s investment will help provide modern communications equipment that will help support student learning, as well as benefit the communities of Goulais River and Dubreuilville.”

The province is investing over $383,636 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), in order to improve access to telecommunications in two northern communities.

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) will receive $239,083 to improve broadband service for area residents and businesses in the Goulais River area. 

This project includes an upgrade of broadband services for Mountain View Public School which will enhance student learning as well as benefit users of the potential community hub which will be located at the school.

The Township of Dubreuilville received $144,553 to install new technological upgrades and modernize the town’s administrative building, which also houses local businesses and a rental hall.

Improvements to the facility will help attract and expand business development and increase revenue streams for the Township.

“I am pleased that our investments in improved telecommunications infrastructure and community business hubs will help provide our northern communities with the resources they need to compete and grow,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC. “We want to create a healthier environment and stronger economy across the North.”

“Having adequate broadband services is an important component to building new business opportunities and connecting residents to new services and information,” said Tom Vair, executive director, SSMIC. “We greatly appreciate the support of the Province of Ontario and are hopeful that we are successful with our application to the Federal government to enable this worthwhile project to proceed.”

“This is wonderful news for the Algoma District School Board and for the community of Goulais. The funding will provide for affordable, high-speed broadband service to the Goulais area which will now allow every one of our 46 schools to have the necessary access to utilize technology as a tool for student learning. Until now, Mountain View Public School in Goulais was the only school in the Algoma District School Board without high quality high-speed access, as it was unaffordable for us to attain on our own. Students and staff will now have access not only at school but also at home to further their learning,"  said Lucia Reece, Algoma District School Board, Director of Education.

"We would like to thank Minister Orazietti, the SSM Innovation Centre, and the NOHFC for the opportunity to act as partners and to find such an important solution for students. We ought to be very proud that our communities across the Algoma District will not have any students or schools without access to technology, given the importance of connectivity in today’s global community.”

“Maintaining local infrastructure that supports and attracts business to our township is one of our highest priorities,” said Alain Lacroix, Mayor of the Township of Dubreuilville. “Through today’s NOHFC investment, we’re proud to be telling industry that Dubreuilville is open for business which in turn will help our community grow and prosper.”

This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history — more than $130 billion over 10 years, which is making 110,000 jobs possible every year across Ontario with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals.

Supporting northern communities is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up.

The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in 6,870 projects in Northern Ontario, creating or sustaining more than 25,800 jobs.
• Research shows that every $100 million of public infrastructure investment in Ontario boosts GDP by $114 million, particularly in construction and manufacturing sectors.
• The NOHFC’s investments in community infrastructure are part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

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