Listen Live
Listen Live

Fibre optic network from Trail to Nelson successfully installed

High-speed internet and cellular services are now available in rural communities located between Nelson and Trail (via Salmo) with the completion of the Columbia Basin Trust’s regional fibre-optic network project.

The $5-million project has been in the works since 2021.

Since then, seventy kilometres of new cable have been installed with the goal of helping increase capacity for the development of connectivity networks in the region.

The project was led by CBT and funded in collaboration with the federal government, the province, Northern Development Initiative Trust, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, and CBT.

A media release from the province stated that the completed project creates the opportunity for internet service providers to use the fibre-optic capacity to further develop the in-community networks that provide cellular and internet services.

It also provides transport capacity to communities along the route, including Erie, Hall, Meadows, Park Siding, Porto Rico, Ross Spur, and Ymir.

“With the completion of this project, the Village of Salmo administration office and School District 8’s Salmo elementary and secondary schools are now benefiting,” said Diana Lockwood, mayor of Salmo.

“We’re thankful to all the partners who were involved in making this project a reality.”

Roly Russel, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, said in the release that recent studies have shown these types of projects and investments typically return between five and ten dollars in economic activity for every dollar invested.

“We all know how important high-speed internet access is to help rural communities and their residents fulfil their potential economically and socially. So, it’s exciting to see another great step in that direction as the result of good partnerships for the people of the West Kootenays.”


Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Continue Reading

cjat Now playing play

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Payton McKellar to be acclaimed to Salmo council

When nominations for the vacant seat on village council closed Friday, there was only one candidate for the job.

Cominco Arena floor replacement nears completion

The City of Trail is reassuring Smoke Eaters fans that the team will have ice for its home opener following a months-long project to replace the refrigerated floor of the Cominco Arena.

Kootenay real estate cools as listings climb

Real estate sales in the Kootenay Boundary declined in September for the second month in a row.

B.C. could face wet fall due to La Niña

British Columbia could be in for a wet, rainy fall season as forecasters note an increased likelihood of a La Niña weather system developing this year.

CUPW slams Canada Post’s latest contract offers as ‘new lows’ in strike standoff

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said Canada Post’s latest contract proposals represent a major step backward.
- Advertisement -