Press Release
EOWC
ONTARIO – On May 4th, 59 heads of Council from across eastern Ontario gathered for a virtual meeting and voiced overwhelming support for the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) Gig Project, which aims to connect homes and businesses across the region with ultra-fast internet speeds.
These municipal leaders are joining the Chairs of EORN, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) and the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC) in urging the federal and provincial governments to fund the region-wide Gig Project.
The project would expand fibre to homes and businesses to deliver internet speeds up to 1 Gig (1,000 Megabits per second).
EORN has been seeking federal and provincial support for the public-private partnership valued at up to $1.6 billion. It would include investments by the federal and provincial governments, and the private sector, through EORN’s proven model for expanding connectivity in underserved regions.
EORN is requesting $200 million each from the federal and provincial governments. This is about six per cent of the total funds the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed to broadband expansion.
Given that recent analysis shows rural eastern Ontario accounts for about 30% of all under-served households in Ontario, the project offers tremendous value.
The EORN Gig Project offers a comprehensive solution that ensures the region can keep pace with rising demand for connectivity over the long-term.
It is critical for the region’s economic recovery from the pandemic and will support future economic growth and improved quality of life.
Quotes:
“The assembled heads of Council were loud and clear in saying they will urge both the federal and provincial governments to commit to funding this essential broadband project. This is what the people we represent need and deserve. The EORN model, which pools resources and planning at a regional scale, is proven to be efficient and effective. It is straightforward for the telecommunications industry and preferred by local governments, which have limited capacity to manage such projects on their own.”
Debbie Robinson, Chair of the EOWC and Warden of Renfrew County
“This level of support is truly remarkable. It was so encouraging to have 59 mayors, reeves and wardens join our virtual meeting on short notice. To then hear their keen interest in supporting the EORN Gig project really speaks to their desire to do something truly game-changing for our citizens and businesses. We got a huge vote of confidence from them and for that we are extremely grateful.”
J. Murray Jones, Chair of EORN and Warden of Peterborough County
“Like my colleagues at the EOWC, the mayors of eastern Ontario’s cities and towns including my city, Peterborough, along with Quinte West, Belleville and Prescott, to name just a few, see the incredible economic and social benefits the Gig Project would bring to our communities. Creating jobs, helping our children learn online, and improving access to healthcare services are benefits that as mayors, we endorse wholeheartedly.”
Diane Therrien, Chair of EOMC and Mayor of the City of Peterborough
