Bracebridge and Huntsville to Benefit From the Installation of Fibre Optic Cable

BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 14, 2015) - Residents of Bracebridge and Huntsville will benefit from the installation of fibre optic cable, thanks to joint funding from the Governments of Canada and Ontario through the Small Communities Fund.

This project will include the installation of fiber optic cable in Bracebridge and Huntsville, improving web access for residents, businesses and visitors. This initiative will help to bring high-speed online benefits to the region, such as email access, web browsing, e-commerce, and be a great resource for school work. It is also expected to support the region's long-term growth while improving quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The $1-billion Small Communities Fund provides funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs. Canada and Ontario will each provide $272 million to support projects in communities across the province with fewer than 100,000 residents. This funding will help address local priorities, supporting job creation and economic growth, thus sustaining a high quality of life in small communities across Ontario for years to come.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada will provide up to $2.8 million through the Small Communities Fund for this project.
• The Province of Ontario will contribute up to $2.8 million to this project.
• Lakeland Energy Ltd. will be responsible for all remaining costs of the project.

Quotes

"We are pleased to invest in projects like the installation of fibre optic cable in Bracebridge and Huntsville that will benefit our community by improving much needed local infrastructure.Our Government's commitment to municipalities, big and small, has never been stronger. Through the New Building Canada Plan Small Communities Fund we are investing in priority infrastructure projects that have a strong impact on the quality of life of Ontario's residents while helping job creation and economic growth."

The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka

"Today's investment in fibre optic cable will ensure high-speed internet access for residents, visitors and businesses in communities in Muskoka, helping to promote long-term economic growth for the region. It's part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history - more than $130 billion over 10 years - which is supported by a number of initiatives, including unlocking the value of public assets to help make investments in transit, transportation and other priority infrastructure projects. It demonstrates our government's commitment to keeping our communities strong, creating jobs and making sure that people get the basic services they pay for now and in the future."

Glenn Thibeault, Member of Provincial Parliament for Sudbury

"On behalf of Lakeland Energy/Networks, I am incredibly proud to be part of this very important funding announcement. The installation of our fibre optic infrastructure will make businesses more competitive and improve the quality of life for thousands of Muskoka residents."

Chris Litschko, Chief Executive Officer, Lakeland Energy Ltd.

Associated Links

To learn more about the Government of Canada's infrastructure programs, including the Small Communities Fund, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html.

To find out more about Ontario's infrastructure programs, including the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, visit http://www.moi.gov.on.ca/en/infrastructure

To learn more about Lakeland Energy Ltd. Please visit http://www.lakelandnetworks.com/.

Follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng