KDSB receives federal funding to provide high speed internet and break down the digital divide
Tim Brody - Editor
The Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) announced last week that it has received funding from the federal government to provide high-speed internet within the Kenora District to those with limited or inadequate access to reliable, high-quality internet.
The KDSB will be the recipient of $4,981,320 to allow individuals in need to “access and participate in digital opportunities that go far beyond the geographical borders of the District. It is crucial to note that recipients of high-speed internet through this project must either have no access to the internet currently or access to poor, low-quality internet services,” KDSB shared.
“There are two issues residents in our District face when it pertains to high-speed internet: lack of affordable infrastructure and lack of access, which makes the digital divide real, leading to lower economic development, lower job creation, and overall decreased secondary and postsecondary graduation rates,” stated Barry Baltessen, Board Chair of the KDSB. He continued, “The KDSB, in partnership with local organizations and First Nation communities across the region, have a lot to accomplish over the next nine months. Our goal is to provide digital equity to as many people as possible, which will allow them to stay connected and thrive.”
KDSB will be partnering with FSET Information Technology of Kenora, to execute the project for the region over the next nine months. The project will roll out through a community/region approach within the District.
“Community members who have a permanent residence (rent or own) within the Kenora District who are interested in learning more about the eligibility criteria and receiving future communications regarding the project are encouraged to sign up for mail or email communication at kdsb.on.ca or fill out a paper form at one of KDSB’s administration office locations to stay informed as the program is implemented,” KDSB informed.
The funding is being provided to the KDSB through a submission to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Rapid Response Stream under the Universal Broadband Fund.