Universal Broadband Fund projects to bring high-speed internet to communities in Markham-Stouffville Lemonville and Locust Hill to benefit from increased connectivity
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much we rely on high-speed internet connections. Now more than ever, Canadians across the country need access to reliable high-speed Internet for work, learning and staying in touch with friends and family. Many Canadians living in rural and remote communities lack access to highspeed Internet. Through the Universal Broadband Fund’s (UBF) Rapid Response Stream, the Government of Canada is taking action to get Canadians connected to the high-speed Internet they need.
Today, Helena Jaczek, Member of Parliament for Markham—Stouffville, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced just under $125,000 in funding for Bell to bring high-speed Internet to rural residents of Preston Lake, Lemonville and Locust Hill. These projects will connect 144 underserved households to high-speed Internet: • 115 households in Lemonville (Bell, $84,000) • 29 households in the heritage community of Locust Hill (Bell, $40,800)
“Canadians depend on connectivity for work, education, access to health services, and to remain connected with loved ones. Connectivity is also essential for Canada’s economic success. There are communities across Canada—including areas of Markham-Stouffville–that cannot access high-speed internet. Our government is working hard to close that connectivity gap. We’ve connected an estimated 1.7 million households since 2015. I’ve been advocating for more help for residents in rural near-urban communities, like we have in our riding. I raised the issue in committee and directly with the Ministers responsible, so I was pleased when our government launched the $1.75 billion Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). I’m excited that the first intake has led to two successful projects from Markham-Stouffville. It will make a big difference for those residents. We’ll continue working to ensue more success stories in the future.”
– Dr. Helena Jaczek, Member of Parliament for Markham Stouffville
“On behalf of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, I would like to thank MP Jaczek and the Federal government for this much needed funding. I applaud Bell’s efforts to partner with the communities of Lemonville who have been advocating for improved internet connectivity for quite some time.”
– Iain Lovatt, Mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville
