Written By Olena Riznyk
PARKHILL – Provincial officials, municipal leaders and telecommunications representatives gathered March 5 in Parkhill to highlight the expansion of high-speed internet access across rural parts of Middlesex County.
Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries Sam Oosterhoff joined Lambton–Kent–Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault, Middlesex County Warden Susan Clarke and several local mayors for the announcement at the North Middlesex Community Centre.
The event marked the completion of a fibre broadband project connecting 3,340 homes, farms and businesses across Middlesex County and surrounding communities. The project was supported through Ontario’s Accelerated High-Speed Internet Program and represents more than $49 million in provincial investment to expand reliable internet infrastructure in underserved communities.
Pinsonneault said improving connectivity remains a priority for rural Ontario. “High-speed internet is so important,” he said. “Whether you’re running a small business or a farm, or whether it’s students who need it for school, connectivity throughout the province is essential for success.”
Oosterhoff said expanding broadband access has become essential to ensuring rural communities can fully participate in the modern economy. “The digital divide was very real,” he said. “Large parts of this province weren’t able to participate in the way they needed to, and that especially became clear during COVID.”
In a brief interview for The Middlesex Banner, Oosterhoff said the new fibre infrastructure will create new opportunities for residents and businesses. “This means more connectivity and more options for people in this community,” he said. “They are going to have greater access to education opportunities, work-from-home opportunities and reliable internet service.”
He added that fibre networks provide the capacity needed to meet growing demand for digital services. “We built a little over 900 kilometres of fibre in just under two years,” NFTC Vice President Grant Roughley said.
The company said the network now connects rural households and businesses to the same fibre technology used in major urban centres, allowing for faster speeds and future expansion as demand grows.
“Broadband access is essential for our local economy and our families to grow and prosper,” Warden Clarke said. “When we have fast, reliable internet, we can compete, innovate and grow.”
Local officials noted that the project required close collaboration between the province, Middlesex County and several municipalities across the region.
According to project representatives, construction on the fibre network was completed last year and residents have been able to begin connecting to the service as installations continue across the region.
Officials said the project is part of Ontario’s broader effort to expand reliable high-speed internet to underserved communities across the province.
Oosterhoff said projects like this help ensure rural communities have the tools they need to succeed in the modern economy.
