High speed plans
Bringing faster and more reliable internet to P.E.I.’s North Shore
Tourism is a key economic driver along the north shore of P.E.I. and the year round population of 250 can jump to 10,000 with summer residents supporting 160 businesses in peak season, so being connected to the rest of the world plays a vital. This summer, 112 residents and businesses will receive upgrades to their broadband Internet infrastructure that will cover Route 6 from Bayview into the community of Stanley Bridge, a portion of Reid Road and Seawood Estates. Economic Development and Tourism minister Heath MacDonald says it’s a good day for the area and P.E.I.
“There’s a leadership taking place here as communities, three levels of government (federal, provincial and municipality) put a proposal together to have better access to internet service, and they were successful. And we’re excited to be a part of it,” he said.
The federal government, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), is providing an investment of $62,500 to develop broadband in the high-density tourism area.
“It’s extremely important because you can’t run a successful
business without having good Internet solution, so this is extremely important and where in a primary area for tourism,” commented MacDonald.
Inn at the Pier, located at 9796 Cavendish Road, will be upgraded with a high speed Internet that works 130 times faster than the current connection. “Working closely with our residents and businesses is going to make P.E.I. successful,” said MacDonald.
The province, through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, is contributing $20,832 to the initiative.
Local stakeholders in the industry have committed to financing a portion, while the resort municipality will contribute a further $11,668 from collected gas tax. The announcement was made Saturday at the Pier Inn in Stanley Bridge.
Matthew Jelley, chair of Resort Municipality of Stanley Bridge, Hope River, Bayview, Cavendish and North Rustico, says high speed Internet connection is no longer a travel perk.
“Access to high speed internet is no longer a perk of a travel destination; it’s an expectation of travelers. To remain competitive, this project was a priority of our community and we’re pleased to receive support from both levels of government.”