Shelburne County is getting a surge in high-speed internet.
The Municipality of Shelburne and Bell Aliant have reached an agreement to expand the fibre network to an additional 750 homes and businesses.
The project is jointly funded by the municipality and Bell Aliant and is expected to start over the next two to three months.
Brush-cutting and tree removal has already occurred.
CAO Tom MacEwan says it’s fantastic news.
“It’s going to provide us with the infrastructure to support our residents and businesses. It will help with the attraction of doctors, increase our chances for economic development and bringing in new industry.”
Bell Aliant and the municipality have worked together since 2016 after the internet provider brought high-speed to the Marine Industrial Park and 343 homes in the surrounding area.
This expansion will impact homes and businesses in Birchtown, Churchover, Jordan Ferry, Sandy Point, Ohio Road and Welshtown.
MacEwan says access to high-speed internet is one of their top priorities.
“The expansion of the current fibre network service that we have in this area is going to put the municipality on the level playing field with Canada’s largest cities. It’s the same service through Bell that you can get in Halifax, Toronto and Montreal.”
He adds, the municipality is committed to expanding the network to at least 95% of its residents including the Town of Lockeport.
