FORT ERIE (March 17, 2021) Recently, Bell Canada was awarded funding from the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) initiative to support two fibre-to-the-home projects in Fort Erie. Service will be expanded along the Niagara Parkway between Switch Road to the North and Thompson Road to the South. Service will also be expanded into the Point Abino neighbourhood. 

“When the pandemic hit, it became apparent how important high-speed, reliable internet is.  Fortunately, we have been working diligently with internet service providers for some time to find ways to expand their existing networks or put in new networks in Fort Erie. This work has been enhanced by the efforts of the Broadband Task Force. The on-set of COVID-19 made this issue one of urgency for individuals who are now working from home, attending school or communicating with family and friends remotely. I am very happy that our hard work has paid off and that Fort Erie will benefit from increased connectivity by tapping into the SWIFT initiative,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop. 

On January 27, SWIFT announced it would provide funding to expand access to high-speed fibre-optic broadband service to households in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, Wainfleet and West Lincoln. The newly awarded projects will collectively service more than 271 kms of underserved roadway to bring high-speed internet access to 4,248 homes and businesses across the region. The projects represent a collective total investment of $12.8 million and will be completed with service available by mid-2022.

It is expected that more detailed information related to Bell Canada’s high-speed fibre-optic broadband service in Fort Erie will be available by June 2021.

To view the full SWIFT press release, please visit: https://swiftruralbroadband.ca/swift-announces-21m-broadband-expansion-plan-for-niagara-region/

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