By Jessie Weisner (Twitter: @Jessie__Weisner)

Broadband public engagement sessions result in positive feedback

Jun 7, 2018 | 4:08 PM

The feedback from three recent broadband public engagement sessions in Clearwater County was generally positive, according to Jennifer Massig, CEO of Magna Engineering, and leader in the broadband initiative.

Over the last couple of weeks, broadband open houses were held in Nordegg, Leslieville and Caroline, attracting roughly 100 county residents.

Massig says she’s helped implement broadband services across Alberta, and that Clearwater County was one of the most receptive groups.

“There seems to already be a general understanding of the importance internet has to quality of life,” says Massig, “Not just as something that we want as a commercial commodity.”

Concerns were voiced about the cost and timeline of the project. Massig says these will be taken into serious consideration when forming a strategic plan.

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As a result of Clearwater County’s sheer size, the project will be rolled out in a multi-year, multi-phase process. Although connecting every residence to a fiber internet connection is the goal, Massig says it would be too costly in the initial phases.

“Everyone wants to have fiber, but I think there was a general understanding that, you know, at least towers are better than nothing for now,” says Massig. “Beyond that, if we can move from towers to fiber then that would be a good move forward for the county.”

Massig continues to work with local internet service providers and businesses to evaluate what is most realistic for the county.

A county-wide infrastructure plan will be presented to council by the end of summer, and will be available to the public in the fall.

The hope is to begin the project in 2018, but it may extend to 2019.