Canada and Ontario Increasing Access to High-Speed Internet Service in Middlesex County

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $1.8 million to bring fast, reliable high-speed internet to more than 640 homes, farms and businesses in Middlesex County.

In partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc, the completion of construction of broadband infrastructure in the county is now providing access to fast, reliable high-speed internet service to families, farms and businesses in the communities of Putman, Crampton, Avon, Mossley, Harrietsville, Gladstone, Kerwood, Napperton and Strathroy.

“Providing reliable internet access is especially important for rural communities to prosper in our increasingly digital world,” said Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement will ensure that hundreds of homes, businesses, and farms in Middlesex County can connect to essential online services and enjoy the additional economic opportunities made available through high-speed internet.”

“I’m proud that our government continues to deliver on our commitment to expand access to high-speed internet in rural communities across the province,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Building new broadband infrastructure in Middlesex County is helping to connect rural Ontario and strengthen communities by helping people stay connected with loved ones and enable them to access supports they need. This critical infrastructure will have lasting benefits for the entire community.”

The contracts to expand broadband services in Middlesex County were awarded by SWIFT, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to improve connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.

“To remain competitive and grow, businesses need high-speed connectivity,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “The completion of this SWIFT project is opening the door for more families and businesses to expand into communities where there were previously limited resources. This investment complements our government’s ongoing commitment to rural Ontario, and is allowing people to live, work, and farm, where they want.”

“With the support of the governments of Ontario and Canada, SWIFT is successfully delivering on it’s commitment to expand access to high-speed internet service throughout Southwestern Ontario,” said Gary McNamara, SWIFT Board Chair. “As we continue to work together with our community partners to drive greater connectivity across the region, we are pleased to mark the completion of two additional high-speed internet projects in Middlesex County that are now collectively providing more than 640 homes and businesses with access to fast reliable broadband service.”

More than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector to bring high-speed internet to more than 63,000 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario through SWIFT by the end of 2023.