Ontario Invests Almost $1.5 Million in Telecommunications Upgrades on Manitoulin Island

Press Releases

Funding Part of Largest Infrastructure Investment in Province’s History

June 29, 2015

Ontario is helping Manitoulin Island stay connected by bringing enhanced cellular and mobile broadband services to residents and businesses.

With an investment of $1,486,303 from the province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), NetCentral and its private-sector partners are constructing four cell towers to expand telecommunications services in Central and Western Manitoulin Island.

This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history — more than $130 billion over 10 years, which will support more than 110,000 jobs per year on average, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals across the province.

The government’s plan to build Ontario up is supported by a number of initiatives, including broadening the ownership of Hydro One — an approach that raises billions for infrastructure.

Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan will help connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Ontarians by supporting critical projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities all across the province.

Investing in telecommunications is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Quick Facts

• Since 2003, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in 6,780 projects in Northern Ontario, creating or sustaining more than 25,500 jobs.
• Under the NetCentral project, four new towers will be constructed to provide cellular and high-speed wireless broadband along Highways 551, 542 and 540 and to communities including Providence Bay, Evansville, Sheshegwaning First Nation, Zhiibaahaasing First Nation and Meldrum Bay.
• A Conference Board of Canada report estimated that Ontario’s public infrastructure investment would add more than $1,000 to the average annual income of Ontarians in 2014 and lower the unemployment rate by about one percentage point.
• The NOHFC’s investments in telecommunications infrastructure are part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

Additional Resources

• NOHFC

Quotes

“I am pleased that our government is helping Manitoulin communities stay connected by improving cellular and broadband service. This will create new economic opportunities and social benefits for businesses and families in the North.”

Michael Gravelle

Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC

“The addition of these four cell sites helps ensure that Manitoulin Island residents have access to high-speed telecommunication services. I commend the NOHFC for its commitment to extend telecommunications services in the North.”

Jim Gordon
founding Chair of NetCentral

Media Contacts
Mike Feenstra
Minister’s Office
mike.feenstra@ontario.ca
416-327-0655

Julia Bennett
Communications Services Branch
julia.bennett@ontario.ca
416-314-6275

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