Bell Fibre Optic Cable Installation in Eastern Ontario Lakes
Official title: New Fibre Installation
Bell Canada wants to lay underwater fibre optic cables across six lakes and a river in eastern Ontario. The cables would bring high-speed internet to lakeside homes in Big Gull Lake, Mississippi River, Marble Lake, Little Marble Lake, Lower Mazinaw Lake, and Skootamatta Lake.
Why This Matters
Live on one of these lakes? You could finally get reliable high-speed internet. Cottage owners and year-round residents in these areas often struggle with slow or spotty connections. The underwater cables would run about 4 km total across all the water bodies.
What Could Change
If approved, Bell would install approximately 4 km of submarine fibre optic cable across these water bodies. Lakeside homes would gain access to high-speed internet service. Construction would involve underwater cable laying in Big Gull Lake (1.54 km), Lower Mazinaw Lake (1.05 km), Mississippi River (0.8 km), and smaller sections in the other lakes.
Key Issues
- Should Bell be permitted to install underwater cables in these lakes and river?
- What environmental impacts might the cable installation have on the water bodies?
Indigenous Consultation
This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.