VICTORIA - Several Kootenay towns are on the list to get Internet service with a $2.34 million provincial initiative, including Hills, Trout Lake and Edgewood.
“Bringing Internet access to our most rural areas is crucial for the future of our young people and their education, for the health of families and for the competitiveness of our businesses,” said Premier Christy Clark.
“Not only does it help give British Columbians better access to information and opportunity, but it also brings that information closer and faster to our youngest learners.”
Since 2008, the Province has provided $6.83 million through Network BC’s Connecting Citizen’s Grant Program and funded nearly 150 connectivity projects to establish the infrastructure needed to bring high-speed Internet services to over 210 new locales in B.C.
Today, 93 per cent of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet.
Network BC works collaboratively with local community groups, all levels of government and the private sector, including small Internet service providers, to encourage and facilitate high-speed Internet connectivity.
In 2011, 51 connectivity projects will receive a total of $2.34 million under the Connecting Citizens Grant Program.
Applications were adjudicated based on the program criteria.
Projects are targeted for completion by March 31, 2012.
They include the following projects:
Edgewood-Inonoaklin Valley (Edgewood Community Internet Society, $50,000)
Hills (Red Mountain Internet Society, $50,000)
Trout Lake and District (Trout Lake Community Club, $50,000)
Shutty Bench, Fletcher Falls, Ainsworth Hot Springs (Kaslo infoNet Society, $50,000)
Bayview Subdivision (Bayview Resident’s Association, $35,000)