On October 18, 2024, we officially broke ground on the Northern Ontario Gigabit Fibre Project, an important milestone in the journey to improving connectivity within the region. The ceremony marked the beginning of a transformative initiative that will bring gigabit-speed internet to over 18,000 underserved households across the region, including more than 2,500 Indigenous homes.
The event, hosted by PomeGran, was attended by local officials, community members, and project partners, all sharing in the excitement and anticipation of this crucial infrastructure project.
The Significance of the Project
For many rural and Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario, access to high-speed internet has been a long-standing challenge. With education, healthcare, and economic growth increasingly dependent on reliable broadband, this project aims to address a digital divide that has left many isolated from critical services and opportunities.
Dr. Kalai Kalaichelvan, Chairman and CEO of PomeGran, emphasized the transformative nature of the project during his remarks: “Reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, and economic growth in the digital age. We are committed to ensuring that these communities receive the same access to opportunities as urban areas.”
Collaboration and Support
The groundbreaking ceremony was a showcase of collaboration between government, private sector partners, and Indigenous communities. Key attendees included Terry Sheehan, MP for Sault Ste. Marie, Carol Hughes, MP for Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, and Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma—Manitoulin, all of whom expressed their continued support for expanding connectivity in Northern Ontario.
Terry Sheehan, MP for Sault Ste. Marie, stated:
“I am glad that our federal government supported this project through the Universal Broadband Fund. More families in Algoma will soon benefit from connectivity for business, for healthcare, for learning, and for community. In a digitally connected world, over 18,000 more homes between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie will have the high-speed access they need to succeed.”
Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, remarked:
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a new chapter for Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario. High-speed broadband is essential to open doors for businesses, education, and everyday connections. Thanks to all the partners making this game-changing project a reality!”
MPP for Algoma—Manitoulin, Michael Mantha, expressed his support, stating:
“The groundbreaking for the Northern Ontario Gigabit Fibre Project signifies a major step for the future of families and businesses in the Huron Shore and Manitoulin Region. Without a doubt, this initiative is a major step forward in leveling the playing field for Northerners in terms of technology, business, and education. Congratulations to all.”
At the event, we took the opportunity to acknowledge the key project partners whose expertise and collaboration have been essential to this initiative. Nokia Canada, represented by President Jeffrey Maddox, has provided critical technological expertise and infrastructure solutions. Valard Construction has contributed their exceptional construction services, while Beameo and Cyient offered top-tier engineering support. Our provider for passive fibre optic network solutions, LiteLinx, has also been pivotal in advancing the project. Additionally, we extend a heartfelt thanks to the community members who have championed this mission. A special acknowledgment goes to Georges Bilodeau, Helen Bilodeau, Nancy Jones-Scissions, and Daniel McCambridge for their invaluable support and dedication in raising awareness and fostering community engagement. Their commitment is making a lasting impact on enhancing connectivity in the region.
Live Demonstration of Cutting-Edge Technology
During the event, attendees experienced an exciting live demonstration of the construction methods we are using to build a world-class internet network. The highlight of the demo was our innovative drilling technique, which allows us to install fibre-optic lines underground with minimal disruption to the environment. This process is key to ensuring that our infrastructure project is both efficient and environmentally responsible, leaving the landscape intact while delivering fast, reliable internet.
After the drilling phase, we place specialized vaults equipped with Nokia technology. These vaults play a crucial role in our network, serving as secure access points for maintenance and upgrades. With Nokia’s cutting-edge technology integrated into our system, we are able to monitor and manage the network with greater precision, ensuring that the communities we serve enjoy uninterrupted, high-speed internet.
“The Northern Ontario Gigabit Fibre Project is more than just a connectivity project; it’s about building future-ready communities that can thrive in the digital economy. Today, we celebrate not just the start of construction but the beginning of a new era for Northern Ontario. This project will help bridge the digital divide, providing essential connectivity that will enhance the quality of life for many families and businesses,” said Joe Hickey, President of PomeGran.
Looking Ahead
As we begin laying the infrastructure over the coming months, we are focused on overcoming challenges posed by Northern Ontario’s terrain and climate to ensure that even the most remote homes have access to fast internet. This is just the beginning of a project that will shape the future of connectivity in Northern Ontario, helping communities access critical services, improve economic prospects, and connect with the world.
Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses!
