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Broadband access has been identified as a key priority for both residents and businesses by the District and the Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF). Several federal and provincial funding programs are anticipated to assist in expanding broadband across Ontario and Canada. To help expedite Broadband expansion in Muskoka a Broadband Subcommittee and a Regional Broadband Strategy were developed. The strategy can be found in Report FSC-1-2002-5 and the Muskoka Community Broadband Summary can be found in Report FCS-3-2021-1.
Provincial Legislative Changes
Subsequent to the release of the Strategy, in April 2022 the Province passed the ‘Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022’, where updates and changes were made to the ‘Building Broadband Faster Act’ (BBFA) and the ‘Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act’, 2012 (One Call Act). These changes are designed to help ensure cooperation among stakeholders, set out clear expectations around timelines and processes, and try and limit the kind of things that historically have delayed broadband deployment. They also compel Municipalities to respond, or approve applications within tight timelines.
District and Area Municipal Roles
To address these legislative changes and expedite Broadband expansion in Muskoka the Broadband Subcommittee and District and Area Municipalities Engineering and Public Works Departments are working closely together to harmonize policies that would make the application process more efficient and speed up Broadband expansion.
Where/When is Broadband Expanding in Muskoka
Staff is also meeting with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to determine when, where, and how broadband expansion will happen in Muskoka so we can give residents and visitors maps and the most up-to-date information. To date neither the Province nor ISPs have provided mapping or indication of their expansion plans. Early indications are the ASHIP program will start expansion in early Q2. As ISPs provide their expansion plans, the Broadband Subcommittee will update this Engage page with all relevant information as a one-stop location for news and updates.
Stay Tuned!
More details of the strategy and the status of the implementation are coming soon.
You can stay informed and follow this project to receive updates when new information is added.
Broadband access has been identified as a key priority for both residents and businesses by the District and the Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF). Several federal and provincial funding programs are anticipated to assist in expanding broadband across Ontario and Canada. To help expedite Broadband expansion in Muskoka a Broadband Subcommittee and a Regional Broadband Strategy were developed. The strategy can be found in Report FSC-1-2002-5 and the Muskoka Community Broadband Summary can be found in Report FCS-3-2021-1.
Provincial Legislative Changes
Subsequent to the release of the Strategy, in April 2022 the Province passed the ‘Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022’, where updates and changes were made to the ‘Building Broadband Faster Act’ (BBFA) and the ‘Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act’, 2012 (One Call Act). These changes are designed to help ensure cooperation among stakeholders, set out clear expectations around timelines and processes, and try and limit the kind of things that historically have delayed broadband deployment. They also compel Municipalities to respond, or approve applications within tight timelines.
District and Area Municipal Roles
To address these legislative changes and expedite Broadband expansion in Muskoka the Broadband Subcommittee and District and Area Municipalities Engineering and Public Works Departments are working closely together to harmonize policies that would make the application process more efficient and speed up Broadband expansion.
Where/When is Broadband Expanding in Muskoka
Staff is also meeting with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to determine when, where, and how broadband expansion will happen in Muskoka so we can give residents and visitors maps and the most up-to-date information. To date neither the Province nor ISPs have provided mapping or indication of their expansion plans. Early indications are the ASHIP program will start expansion in early Q2. As ISPs provide their expansion plans, the Broadband Subcommittee will update this Engage page with all relevant information as a one-stop location for news and updates.
Stay Tuned!
More details of the strategy and the status of the implementation are coming soon.
You can stay informed and follow this project to receive updates when new information is added.
On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, passed a motion recommending an RFP be issued to engage a consultant with expertise in broadband service expansion planning to assist the District to develop a regional plan that will address the regions unique challenges. Read the Staff Report
Final ratification by District Council is required, and is anticipated for the May 17th meeting.
RFP - Request of Proposal
Broadband has finished this stage
A Request for Proposal for consultant services to development the Regional Broadband Strategy was issued on Friday May 21st. The RFP will close on June 18 and a contract will be awarded to the successful candidate in early July.
Awarding Contract
Broadband has finished this stage
Proposals will be accepted and reviewed during this time by the Broadband Project Team.
It's anticipated a Contract for Service will be awarded to the successful bidder.
Regional Broadband Strategy Implementation
Broadband is currently at this stage
Communication Plan;
Harmonize Road Occupancy Permits;
Harmonize Municipal Access Agreements;
Work closely with Area Municipalities and ISPs to expedite Broadband Expansion in Muskoka
