This contributes to the 80 per cent of homes on First Nations reserves with access to the service
Almost 350 households in Lax Kw’alaams, located off the northwest coast of B.C., now have high-speed internet access.
“Reliable connectivity will ensure people in Lax Kw’alaams will have better access to education, health care and economic opportunities available online,” said George Chow, Minister of Citizens’ Services.
This development follows a $196,630 investment by the provincial government, administered by the Northern Development Initiative Trust. The federal government contributed $523,016 through Canada’s Universal Broadband Fund, and CityWest provided $423,591.
The project, which began construction in 2024 by CityWest, has completed the installation of its last-mile infrastructure.
“High-speed Internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity. That’s why the Government of Canada is working to bring high-speed Internet access to 98 per cent of Canadian households by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2030,” said Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister of Rural Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“In today’s digital world, communities big and small need reliable connectivity, whether for accessing health care or growing a business. The completion of this project marks a significant connectivity milestone for the people in Lax Kw’alaams.”
According to a Jan. 24 release, B.C. has invested $584 million since 2017 to enhance connectivity across the province. By January 2025, approximately 74 per cent of rural homes and over 80 per cent of homes on First Nations reserves now have access to high-speed internet.
“I’m excited to see the opportunities this connectivity will create for local families and businesses,” said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii.
