Huron’s North Shore stakeholders lobbying for broadband access

The Huron North Community Economic Alliance (HNCEA) is seeking better broadband access for communities along the north shore of Lake Huron.

Representing communities between Spanish and Sault Ste. Marie, the regional not-for-profit works with First Nation and municipal members to support economic development initiatives in the region.

It’s now forming a new Broadband Advisory Committee to advise the Alliance’s board of directors to “pursue the needs, voids, and gaps regarding broadband in our region.”

The organization said it’s established a working relationship with the Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre to seek their professional expertise.

The committee’s mandate is threefold:

• provide advice to the HNCEA board of directors on establishing and/or enhancing broadband initiatives or any relating infrastructure investment in the Huron North Area;
• build relationships with existing broadband providers such as Bell, Rogers, and Explornet to enhance and/or establish broadband connectivity for all sectors and residents in the Huron North Area; and
• share all findings and make recommendations to the HNCEA board of directors.

The group is now recruiting up to 10 people to sit on the board.

Preference will be given to applicants with a proven background or interest in information technology, telecommunications, finance, municipal and First Nation policy, economic development, or project management.

For more information, contact chair Edith Orr at 705-541-1886, or Chris Wray at 705-914-0551.