Fiber Internet Installation for Nine Manitoba First Nations Communities
Official title: New Fibre Installation
Valley Fiber Communications wants to bring high-speed fiber internet to nine First Nations communities in Manitoba. The project involves burying about 300 km of fiber optic cable along existing roads, from areas around Winnipeg up to Gillam in the north.
Why This Matters
Live in one of these communities? This could mean reliable high-speed internet for the first time. Better connectivity helps with remote work, online learning, and accessing health services. For remote northern communities, this is a significant infrastructure upgrade.
What Could Change
If approved, Valley Fiber could begin installing underground fiber cables to homes in Lake Manitoba, Buffalo Point, Black River, Hollow Water, Ebb and Flow, Opaskwayak, Chemawawin, Fisher River, and A Kwis Ki Mahka First Nations. Construction would use directional drilling and trenching along existing roads.
Key Issues
- Should this fiber optic installation project be approved?
- What are the potential impacts on the affected First Nations communities?
Indigenous Consultation
This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.