Keith Hutchings, minister of innovation, business and rural development and Peter Penashue, Newfoundland’s representative in the federal cabinet, along with officials from Bell Aliant, have announced a $24-million investment in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to increase broadband services in Labrador.
The project includes $11.3 million from the provincial government, of which $8.3 million is from Nalcor Energy, as well as $3 million from the federal government and $9.7 million from Bell Aliant.
“Tremendous industrial and economic activity in Labrador has precipitated the need to improve telecommunications infrastructure in the region,” said Hutchings. “Today’s announcement addresses that requirement and will lead to greater levels of broadband access in Labrador. Socially and economically, this addition to the region’s infrastructure will invite long-term benefits as more Labradorians will be able to access the same level of modern communications as those in more urban areas.”
Penashue said the project will provide increased broadband services to the region and change the way business is conducted throughout the region. “It will improve the ability of companies in the region to establish, expand and operate more efficiently,” he added.
SmartLabrador, in conjunction with Bell Aliant and Nalcor Energy will construct a new pole line, with an attached 48-fibre communications cable between Labrador west and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
SmartLabrador Network Inc. is a non-profit incorporated organization, managed by a board of directors representing Labrador’s five regional economic development corporations.
The project will enhance high-speed Internet to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Churchill Falls, enhance existing service to Labrador City and Wabush and will become the backbone of Labrador’s long-term broadband infrastructure.
“Bell Aliant is pleased to be a partner in a project that will improve broadband services in Labrador,” said Geoff Davis, Bell Aliant regional sales vice-president in Newfoundland and Labrador. “This dedicated fibre network is an example of an innovative partnership that will help ensure the residents of central and western Labrador have access to world-class internet services.”
Gilbert Bennett, Nalcor’s Lower Churchill project vice-president, said this is one of the many benefits Labrador will see from the Lower Churchill project.
Bennett said Nalcor is investing in this project to ensure that critical infrastructure required to build and operate the Muskrat Falls development is in place in Labrador.
“This improved broadband infrastructure is excellent news for residents, institutions and communities throughout this region,” said Sheila Downer, executive director of SmartLabrador. “It will be a major enhancement for doing business in Labrador, and will create new and exciting opportunities for innovative and improved services.”
The connection of Labrador west to Happy Valley-Goose Bay will serve 63 per cent of Labrador’s population or 19,000 people and more than 1,000 businesses, government agencies and community organizations.
Improving broadband access to these areas is the first phase in SmartLabrador’s long-term vision for a broadband network that will include further development in Southern and Northern Labrador and connecting Labrador with the island portion of the province.
The federal government’s investment of $3 million was provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund, which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
The provincial government’s investment of $3 million was provided through the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s Rural Broadband Initiative.
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