Thanks in part to funding from the federal and provincial governments, Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) Inc. has begun construction on a new project that will bring broadband infrastructure to nearly 300 families, farms and businesses on the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.

Funding the project comes in the form of investments of more than $429,000 from the two senior levels of government. The construction work itself is expected to be completed by June 2023.

“Reliable broadband infrastructure is a necessity for the growth and prosperity of rural, remote and Indigenous communities,” said Infrastructure Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “Our partnership with the Government of Ontario is ensuring homes and businesses in the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation community are able to have greater access to educational and employment opportunities, and improved access to telehealth services.”

This enhanced high-speed infrastructure will help farms and businesses in the community attract new customers, grow their operations and create new jobs, while also enabling people improved access to connect online.

"Since day one, our government has worked to address gaps in important community infrastructure in Indigenous and rural communities,” said Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “We recognize the unique challenges that Indigenous communities face and are committed to providing tailored supports that encourage growth and prosperity.”

The contract to expand broadband services in the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, was awarded by SWIFT, a not-for-profit corporation initiated by local municipalities to address connectivity in Southwestern Ontario.

More than $255 million has been invested by the governments of Canada and Ontario and the private sector to bring high-speed internet to more than 63,000 households and businesses in Southwestern Ontario.

The federal and provincial governments are each contributing more than $63 million to SWIFT through the new Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – Small Communities Fund.