Federal Government and Rogers announce funding to complete broadband expansion in Caledon

July 12, 2023 – The Town of Caledon is pleased to share that Rogers has received federal funding to complete Caledon’s broadband expansion project – delivering high-speed internet to every Caledon household by the end of 2025.

The Town endorsed Rogers’ application for funding from the Federal Government’s Universal Broadband Fund, which supports internet projects in rural and remote communities across Canada.

“I am ecstatic about what this means for Caledon residents who need reliable, high-speed internet on a daily basis – whether it’s for work, school, or operating their small business,” said Mayor Annette Groves. “As Councillor, I supported various internet initiatives in Caledon and as Mayor, I am proud to lead continued progress in this area.”

Securing high-speed internet for Caledon residents has been a commitment from the Town since 2016 and a Council priority. In 2016, Council unanimously passed the Town’s 2016 budget which included a broadband levy to support the development of a Town-wide high-speed internet network. This levy, along with partnerships such as SWIFT and other advocacy initiatives are some of the measures the Town took to fill Caledon’s connectivity gap.

“Today’s announcement is an incredible achievement for Caledon,” said Erin Britnell, Director of Corporate Strategy and Innovation. “This much-needed investment in internet infrastructure enhances the competitiveness of our community.”

There is no information about order of installation or detailed timelines at this time. The Town, in partnership with Rogers, will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Recent History of Internet Service in Caledon

The Town of Caledon has been pursuing a plan to bring high-speed internet service within reach of all residents and businesses of Caledon for years.

May 2021 – The Town introduced the Internet Grant Program for residents in underserviced areas to help offset the cost towards the purchase of a device to access high speed internet. Apply now.

October 2020 – The Town delivers petition to declare broadband an essential service to Dufferin-Caledon federal and provincial representatives.

September 2020 – SWIFT announces $6.2 million in investments for Caledon to support three fibre-to-the-home projects to bring broadband services to more than 990 underserved households and businesses in Caledon.

January 2020 – Vianet and the Town of Caledon announce the implementation of a 35 km backbone fibre network to be installed along the Caledon Trailway.

October 2019 – The Town of Caledon and Vianet announce a project to install more than 8 kms of fibre optic through the Bolton commercial district.

February 2018 – Supported by Caledon’s Broadband Levy, Caledon Public Library launch a collection of 50 Internet Hotspots, growing to 100 in 2019. This service allows for any resident with a library card to borrow a hotspot, providing them with unlimited Internet access for a one-week loan period.

July 2016 - The Federal and Provincial governments announce an investment of $90 million dollars each in the Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project.

January 2016 – Council unanimously passed the Town’s 2016 budget which included a broadband levy to support the development of a Town-wide high-speed internet network.

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