Grey County Excited About SWIFT Funding

Earlier this week the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced their investment of $90 million each towards SWIFT, the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology network. This commitment will support the expansion of broadband in rural Ontario to over 350 communities, including Grey County.

“Securing federal and provincial funding for the SWIFT network is a major step forward in bringing ultra-high speed broadband to rural Ontario. I applaud the Federal and Provincial governments for their commitment,” said Grey County Warden Alan Barfoot.

SWIFT is an initiative of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus. The project aims to create an extensive fibre optic network that connects the entire southwestern Ontario region with internet service ranging from 1Gbps to 100Gbps, using a combination of public and private funding.

Grey County Council has been a strong supporter of SWIFT since day one and the County has played a strong leadership role throughout the project. Geoff Hogan, Grey County’s Director of Information Technology, is the SWIFT Technical Lead.  He was heavily involved in the development of the SWIFT plan and visited many local municipal councils to answer questions and gain their support. He also helped complete the funding applications that we’re approved on July 26, 2016.

Grey County believes rural access to reliable and affordable broadband is pivotal to local economic development.

“Improved internet connectivity will drive innovation. Grey County is embracing that fact with the Connected County initiative,” said Grey County CAO Kim Wingrove. “We’re working with business, farmers and local leaders to foster sustainable prosperity for everyone that lives, learns, works and plays in Grey County.”

More details about the SWIFT Network can be found on their website, www.swiftnetwork.ca.

For more information, contact Rob Hatten, Communications Officer, at robert.hatten [at] grey.ca (robert[dot]hatten[at]grey[dot]ca) or 519-372-0219 ext. 1235.

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