SHELBURNE COUNTY, N.S. – A total of $1.042 million in funding for new or improved internet service in eight communities in Shelburne County was announced on May 16 by South Shore St. Margaret’s MP Bernadette Jordan as part of the federal government’s $500-million Connect to Innovate program.
Jordan made two funding announcements in the county. In the morning she was in Clark’s Harbour, where a total investment of $642,000 was announced to improve internet services for the Cape Sable Island communities of The Hawk, South Side, Stoney Island and Newellton, impacting an estimated 1,100 homes and businesses. The Connect to Innovate Program will provide a $481,000 investment, with $161,000 being provided by the project applicant, Bell Canada.
In the afternoon it was on to Gunning Cove where a $400,000 investment was announced: $300,000 from the Connect to Innovate program and $51,000 from project applicant Bell Canada, with the remaining funding coming from other partners, to bring new high-speed internet service to about 400 homes and businesses in the communities of Gunning Cove, Roseway, Ingomar and North East Harbour.
“For rural communities in Nova Scotia, digital investment through the Connect to Innovate program enhances opportunities for residents of all ages,” Jordan said in a media release. “This important investment will support farming and fishing industries in data collection and observation, students and youth in learning, and residents in day-to-day life with connected devices. It’s all part of our government’s plan to help create opportunities for all communities, including our rural maritime communities.”
Jordan made the announcements on behalf of Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic development.
The federal government announced in early May the overall Connect to Innovate funding for Nova Scotia will bring high-speed internet access or faster internet service to 64 communities and upgrade connectivity for 80 institutions.