A multi-year expansion project will bring high-speed internet access to more than 10,000 rural and northern Manitoba homes through a partnership involving the governments of Canada and Manitoba, municipalities, First Nations and Valley Fiber, a Manitoba-based telecommunications provider.
“Reliable high-speed internet is foundational to quality of life and economic opportunity,” said federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. “Funding provided to Valley Fiber through the federal Universal Broadband Fund is proof of Canada’s commitment to ensuring every household has access to high-speed internet by 2030.”
“Northern communities have waited far too long for the level of service other Manitobans take for granted,” said Manitoba Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz. “By unlocking unused provincial fibre capacity and partnering with a Manitoba-based provider, we’re accelerating progress that translates into real, tangible benefits for northern families.”
The $157-million project is supported by a combination of Valley Fiber private investment and federal funding and financing, Moroz noted. In addition, a partnership with Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba government has granted Valley Fiber access to previously underutilized capacity on its existing fibre optic network for up to 20 years.
“Manitoba Hydro is one of our province’s greatest assets, and this project demonstrates how existing infrastructure can be used to deliver even greater value for Manitobans,” said Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro. “By putting unused fibre capacity to work, we are helping expand access to high-speed internet without increasing costs for ratepayers.”
Strengthening broadband and cellular connectivity, particularly in northern Manitoba, remains a key priority for the Manitoba government’s Economic Development Strategy. Access to Manitoba Hydro’s fibre infrastructure will enable Valley Fiber to connect or improve broadband service to more than 3,500 households across 11 communities, at no cost to Manitoba Hydro ratepayers, Sala added.
The project is also supported by $120 million in combined federal funding and financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Valley Fiber, based in Winkler, currently provides fibre and fixed wireless internet to tens of thousands of Manitobans in over 200 communities.
“We started by connecting a handful of farms that couldn’t get reliable internet, and that local solution turned into a provincewide mission,” said Ryan Klassen, CEO, Valley Fiber. “This investment and our partnerships with government and community leaders demonstrate our continued commitment to connecting Manitobans. Our team is thrilled to bring Manitoba’s fastest internet to more of our neighbours across the province.”
“The arrival of Valley Fiber in our community marks an important step forward for our nation,” said Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation. “This investment will not only support our youth in their studies and our elders in staying connected with family, but it is also essential for the community to access essential health-care services and for Indigenous businesses to connect with the world.”
To view a full list of communities joining the network, visit valleyfiber.ca.
