Over 300 homes located along the north end of Kootenay Lake will have access to high-speed internet following a $1 million funding announcement Monday.
Two projects, each equally funded by the provincial and federal governments, will be built and operated by Kaslo InfoNet Society.
The first, which will cost $198,282 and be finished by December, will connect 48 homes in Kaslo, Johnsons Landing and Riondel.
The second will connect 262 homes Ainsworth Hot Springs, Argenta, Cooper Creek, Howser, Kaslo, Lardeau, Meadow Creek, and Shutty Bench. That will cost $854,764 and is estimated to be completed by December 2026.
“Faster and more reliable internet access will make a big difference for people in these communities,” said Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson in a statement that announced that projects.
“Completing a degree online, starting a small business, or getting a great remote job will all be within reach of these residents, which will help strengthen our community and local economy.”
Funding for the work comes from both the provincial and federal governments who in March 2022 announced up to $830 million meant to connect rural and Indigenous communities in B.C. to high-speed internet.