MANITOULIN – Ontario is helping Manitoulin Island stay connected by bringing enhanced cellular and mobile broadband services to residents and businesses.
With an investment of $1,486,303 from the province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), NetCentral and its private-sector partners are constructing four cell towers to expand telecommunications services in Central and Western Manitoulin Island.
Under the NetCentral project, four new towers will be constructed to provide cellular and high-speed wireless broadband along Highways 551, 542 and 540 and to communities including Providence Bay, Evansville, Sheshegwaning First Nation, Zhiibaahaasing First Nation and Meldrum Bay.
“I am pleased that our government is helping Manitoulin communities stay connected by improving cellular and broadband service. This will create new economic opportunities and social benefits for businesses and families in the North.” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC in a press release.
This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history — more than $130 billion over 10 years, which will support more than 110,000 jobs per year on average, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals across the province.
Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan will help connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Ontarians by supporting critical projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities all across the province.
Investing in telecommunications is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
