District group lands high-speed funding

Though the process has been less than speedy, high-speed Internet finally is coming to this area.
The federal government announced Friday that Pwi-di-goozing Ne-yaa-zhing Advisory Services’ application for broadband infrastructure funding has been approved, along with 32 other projects across the country, including another three in Ontario.
The local group is set to receive roughly $890,000 for broadband infrastructure from Industry Canada through its Broadband for Rural and Northern Development pilot project (BRAND), which represents 50 percent of the total project costs.
BRAND funding always was capped at 50 percent.
“It’s a $1.7-million total project cost, give or take,” said Jim Leonard, executive director of Advisory Services.
The other 50 percent of the total cost will be picked up by Bell Canada (30 percent) and the seven area First Nations involved in the proposal (20 percent).
“We were really happy,” Leonard said of their reaction to the acceptance letter. “We put in for funding for the seven First Nations [in the area] but will provide service for all the communities from Seine River to Emo.”^The BRAND program pledged more than $44 million for 33 projects, earmarking a little over $4 million for the ones in Ontario.
“Broadband will bring Canadians closer together, helping businesses compete, and providing Canadians with better access to services such as tele-health and distance education,” Industry minister Allan Rock said in a release Friday.
“Today’s announcement is the latest step in making broadband a reality for First Nations, northern, and rural communities,” he noted.
“By reducing barriers and enhancing opportunities for improved health care, life-long learning, and business, broadband can and will strengthen rural communities,” Secretary of State Andy Mitchell noted in the same release.
“Stronger rural communities mean a stronger Canada. This is what the pilot project is all about.”^The communities included in the proposal are Couchiching, Lac La Croix, Naicatchewenin, Nicickousemenecaning, Rainy River, Seine River, Stanjikoming, Town of Fort Frances, Town of Rainy River, Township of Alberton, Township of La Vallee, Township of Emo, Township of Chapple, and the Township of Morley.
Leonard indicated they have been asked to submit a business plan proposal for infrastructure funding to cover the rest of the west end of the district—from Emo to Rainy River—for the second round of Phase II funding through BRAND.
The deadline for this business plan is Nov. 20.
The assistance to be provided will be subject to negotiations with Industry Canada in the coming months to determine the details surrounding the implementation of the local business plan and the funding contribution agreement.