B.C. promises $5.5M for improved internet on Denman Island, Hornby Island
Faster internet connection is coming to Denman Island and Hornby Island, the province announced Thursday.
The B.C. government has earmarked up to $3.26 million to upgrade internet services on Denman Island, while another $2.38 million has been reserved for improving internet access on Hornby Island.
"We are moving toward a future where people in communities up and down the coast have the same level of internet services being offered in urban centres like Vancouver and Victoria," said B.C. Minister of Citizens' Services Lisa Beare in a statement Thursday.
Approximately 1,350 households are expected to benefit from the internet upgrades on both islands, according to the province.
Health care is also expected to improve once the projects complete.
"Our staff often work in isolation in empty or marginal pockets of internet and cellular reception," said Lori Nawrot, executive director of the Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society.
"Improved service will make our jobs safer and expand our options for online training and certification, crucial for the recruitment of new staff," she said.
The province adds that residents on Denman Island and Hornby Island will also have access to direct fibre connection once the "connected coast" internet project wraps up.
The $45.4 million project is centred on the construction of a subsea fibre-optic network in the Strathcona Regional District, which will also include access points along B.C.'s coast.
The connected coast project is being funded by both the provincial and federal governments, with access points planned for the Gulf Islands, Haida Gwaii and around Vancouver Island.
The province did not provide a timeline Thursday for when the internet improvement projects would be completed for Denman Island and Hornby Island.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.