Local, provincial and federal elected officials attend a high-speed internet announcement at RMH National Historic Site June 14, 2024. (rdnewsNOW/Jordan Rein)

By Jordan Rein

$153 million province wide

Feds, Province announce high-speed internet investment in Clearwater County region

Jun 17, 2024 | 9:30 AM

The federal and provincial governments have combined to invest $153 million to connect more rural homes to high speed internet, with a large portion of that invested in the Clearwater County region.

Officials from all three levels of government gathered June 14 at Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site for the announcement which will see around $68 million directed toward the region which is expected to greatly increase connectivity to thousands of households across the area.

Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, Nate Glubish says increased connectivity will have benefits for the local economy.

“The businesses started by families who grew up here and want to stay here can stay here,” says Glubish. “But among those 200,000 folks who chose to move to Alberta last year alone, if they want to come to a beautiful place like Clearwater County, and build a business, they can do it here. It’s very exciting.”

Glubish adds, 14 communities within the County will benefit including Caroline, Carlos, Butte, Nordegg, Codner, Crammond, Crimson Lake, Ferrier Acres, Saunders and Cheddarville.

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Minister Nate Glubish speaks June 14, 2024 at the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. (rdnewsNOW/Jordan Rein)

In a statement, Clearwater County officials say the five grants from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED) Canada and the Government of Alberta will cover up to 75 per cent of its Broadband Project costs.

“Through dedicated efforts, administration has played a crucial role in realizing council’s vision for this project. This announcement signifies an incredible opportunity for Clearwater County, and we are excited about the positive influence that improved connectivity will bring to our valued residents, businesses, and overall economic prosperity,” says Reeve Michelle Swanson. “Our commitment in finalizing the essential details and information will be shared as it becomes available. Together, we are forging a brighter, more connected future for Clearwater County.”

Soon, the County plans to launch a public awareness campaign, research initiatives, advertising efforts, and policy and budget discussions with the broadband committee and council. Updates should be available via the County website and official social media channels.

“I’m happy to see significant investments being made into expanded broadband access in Clearwater County. These projects will connect 2,000 households and make it easier to work, learn, and stay connected in rural Alberta,” says Jason Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social services and MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre.

Minister Jason Nixon speaks at the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site June 14, 2024. (rdnewsNOW/Jordan Rein)

In total the the grant is expected to connect 120 communities, say officials, with more than 14,400 households benefitting. More than 800 of these are Indigenous households. The intention is for these households to be able to access speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) for download and 10 Mbps for upload, say officials.

This joint effort began on March 9, 2022, when both governments announced a broadband partnership to invest up to $780 million to provide high‑speed internet access to Albertans in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The governments of Canada and Alberta say they will continue to announce projects selected under this agreement over the coming months.

The federal government projects that everyone in Canada will have access to high-speed internet by 2030, and 98 per cent of Canadians will be connected by 2026. It says that Canada is on track to meet its 2026 connectivity targets.