Construction is set to begin on a new fibre optic network in Edgewater this week.

“There are a couple of different stages to the project,” explained Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Project Specialist Matt Sopkow. “The first step will be the construction of the network by placing fibre optic cables on hydro poles throughout most of the community over the next three weeks or so.”

There will also be upgrades to the SCADA equipment for the Edgewater Water and Sewer systems. This will enable remote monitoring and enhanced operations of these systems by operators.

“While the connection of homes and businesses is not part of the current construction, it is anticipated homes and businesses will have the opportunity to connect to the network as part of a future phase of the project and we will ensure that is well communicated once details are finalized,” added Sopkow.

Residents in Edgewater are urged to watch for contractors working in and around the community over the coming weeks, slow down and obey any signage that may be in place.

“Reliable internet is so important in rural areas, and it’s exciting to see progress on the infrastructure that will support better service over time in Edgewater. Constructing the network creates the foundation needed to move us in the direction of one day being able to have fibre-to-the-home,” said Electoral Area G Director Roberta Schnider.

The Edgewater Broadband project is 100% grant funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Rural and Northern Communities Fund with support from both the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia.

Lead image: Edgewater from across the Columbia Wetlands. e-KNOW file photo

RDEK

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