The $5-million project has been in the works since 2021.
Since then, seventy kilometres of new cable have been installed with the goal of helping increase capacity for the development of connectivity networks in the region.
The project was led by CBT and funded in collaboration with the federal government, the province, Northern Development Initiative Trust, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, and CBT.
A media release from the province stated that the completed project creates the opportunity for internet service providers to use the fibre-optic capacity to further develop the in-community networks that provide cellular and internet services.
It also provides transport capacity to communities along the route, including Erie, Hall, Meadows, Park Siding, Porto Rico, Ross Spur, and Ymir.
“With the completion of this project, the Village of Salmo administration office and School District 8’s Salmo elementary and secondary schools are now benefiting,” said Diana Lockwood, Mayor of Salmo.
“We’re thankful to all the partners who were involved in making this project a reality.”
Roly Russel, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, said in the release that recent studies have shown these types of projects and investments typically return between five and ten dollars in economic activity for every dollar invested.
“We all know how important high-speed internet access is to help rural communities and their residents fulfil their potential economically and socially. So, it’s exciting to see another great step in that direction as the result of good partnerships for the people of the West Kootenays.”
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