Local broadband proposal lands funding, Second one rejected

Industry Canada announced Friday that five area proposals for funding to develop broadband business plans as part of the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program were successful.
One of the successful applicants was the Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Non Profit Advisory Services application representing seven area First Nations, including Couchiching, Lac La Croix, Naicatchewenin, Rainy River, Seine River , Stanjikoming, and Nicickousemenecaning.
“It’s just the beginning step,” said Jim Leonard. “It’s a pretty good deal.”
Each successful applicant will receive up to $30,000 to prepare a business plan that will determine the approximate cost of bringing broadband service to the areas they represent.
That business plan must be prepared and submitted by March 31, with applicants learning the success of their business plans sometime in June.
“The next thing is to put a plan together, get some numbers down and decide how it will be run,” Leonard said, adding they plan on contacting area municipalities and communities to see if they would come on board.
Their proposal would reach 73 km east to Seine River and west to Rainy River First Nations. Fort Frances also would be in the scope of the project, though the funding—for now—only covers the First Nations.
But a second application for funding made during this first round of proposals for the Fort Frances area was rejected.
Rainy River Future Development Corp. had submitted an application on behalf of communities in the west end of the region, including Emo and Rainy River.
“We’re very disappointed,” said Geoff Gillon. “Of course, we will be applying for the second round. We’re not sure what happened.”
The deadline for proposals for this second round is March 1.
Industry Canada was to make the announcement a month ago, but it was postponed due to the number and detail of each application. It is unclear whether the other deadlines will be adjusted due to this initial delay.
Other groups in Kenora-Rainy River riding which were awarded funding in this first round were the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corp., Anishinaabeg of Kabapikoawangag Resource, Matawa First Nations Management, and Windigo First Nations Council.