High-speed connectivity coming to north Vancouver Island, northern, central coast

Eleven rural communities on Vancouver Island and the central coast will gain high-speed internet access, benefitting over 400 households. The projects, led by CityWest, include areas like Oona River, Echo Bay, and Gwayasdums 1 of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation. The Province is investing more than $1 million through the Connecting Communities BC program, while the federal government contributes $1. 25 million and CityWest adds over $1 million. Minister Diana Gibson highlighted that this initiative will enhance access to vital services like employment and healthcare.

CityWest is also constructing a new fibre-transport link between Campbell River and Gold River to bolster regional connectivity. High-speed internet will allow residents to engage fully in the digital economy and access necessary services. Since 2017, the Province has invested $584 million to improve connectivity across British Columbia, increasing the percentage of rural homes with high-speed access. As of January 2025, approximately 74% of rural homes will have access to high-speed internet, a significant increase since 2017.