Bell Fibre Optic Cable Installation in Muskoka Lakes
Official title: New Fibre Installation
Bell Canada wants to lay nearly 37 km of underwater fibre optic cable across 12 lakes and waterways in the Muskoka region. The cables would bring high-speed internet to lakefront homes. This is a federal review of the project's potential environmental impacts.
Why This Matters
Live on one of these lakes? You could finally get reliable high-speed internet. But underwater cables mean construction activity in the water—something cottagers and year-round residents may want to weigh in on.
What Could Change
If approved, Bell could begin laying underwater cables across Bass Lake, Kahshe Lake, Lake Muskoka, Sparrow Lake, and eight other water bodies. The largest installation would be 17 km in Sparrow Lake alone.
Key Issues
- Should underwater fibre optic cables be installed in these Muskoka lakes?
- What environmental impacts could the installation have on lake ecosystems?
Indigenous Consultation
This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.