Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff
With grant funding, the Ktunaxa First Nation (KFN) is ushering in a broadband connectivity project to bring high-speed Internet to 273 households.
Last week the Regional District of East Kootenay approved a Community Works Fund grant of $63,462 towards the $2.5 million project.
The KNC applied to Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada to provide a mixture of fiber optic and wire connectivity infrastructure that will improve connectivity within rural and remote communities. Internet has become an essential service and provides access to numerous benefits such as tele-health and distance learning.
It was noted the project will better serve 165 homes in the A?kisq’nuk First Nation, Shuswap Band, Windermere and Invermere areas, including Electoral Areas E and F.
A funding shortfall of $105,000 has been requested from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District for its share of the project.
