MAY 22,
2003 - PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation
Eves government to provide affordable high-speed Internet to
Elgin County ST. THOMAS, ON, May 22 /CNW/ - The Ernie Eves government
invested $900,000 to develop a comprehensive telecommunication
infrastructure to
support Elgin County's web portal and provide broadband access
for the townships, libraries, school and colleges, business
and economic groups, with St.Thomas-based Elginconnects.ca,
Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation Minister Jim Flaherty
announced today.
The funding is part of Connect Ontario: Broadband Regional
Access (COBRA), a $55 million program that brings affordable,
high-speed telecommunications to northern and rural communities
by providing the necessary broadband infrastructure.
Our goal is to ensure that all communities across Ontario can
easily access affordable high-speed Internet services,"
said Flaherty. "This investment in St. Thomas' Elginconnects.ca
is an important step in accomplishing that vision. COBRA will
help foster innovation through public-private partnerships,
which will result in new local economic opportunities for Elgin
County and the surrounding region."
Led by the Elgin Community Future Development Corporation,
Elginconnects.ca's partners include the City of St. Thomas,
County of Elgin, Industry Canada, Human Resources Development
Canada, Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, Economic Development
Corporation, Fanshawe College, Employment Service Elgin and
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority. The total investment with
partner funding is expected to reach $1.8 million.
"The Province of Ontario's COBRA program will allow Elgin
County to provide uniform and ubiquitous access to broadband
service in Elgin," said Donna Lunn, Community Development
Officer of Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation.
"The provision of high speed service to public and private
businesses, municipal governments and residents will allow Elgin
to participate in the knowledge-based economy. Through the coordination
and partnerships fostered by this initiative, Elgin will be
enabled to create the opportunity for tremendous economic development
in both the local and global economies."
COBRA supports the Ontario Government's Smart Growth agenda
by promoting vibrant communities and stimulating local economies.
