Following a motion at its Feb. 13 Broadband Committee meeting, Clearwater County council has formally approved the county’s broadband project to proceed.
County officials say the funding approval marks a significant milestone in the long-term initiative to expand high-speed internet access across the county.
At the Feb. 24 regular meeting, council approved a budget adjustment of $72 million to allow the project to be proceed. The funds will be covered by grant revenue and transfers from restricted surplus.
However, some council members indicated they are not exactly enthusiastic about the remaining parts project going ahead.
“By no means are we ‘yahoo, here we go’,” said Coun. Lorne Humphrey. “We’ve inherited this broadband project — to not proceed with it is not an option at this point.”
Earlier in February, council reviewed a report that warned cancelling or pausing the program was “high risk” and could cost the county millions in penalties and grant repayments, with losses estimated anywhere from $21 million to $88 million. In contrast, keeping the status quo was estimated to cost taxpayers $18 million.
Reeve Jordon Northcott says the project’s completion is more about obligation than genuine satisfaction with the program overall.
“It really is about risk mitigation and grant obligations,” said Northcott, who questioned whether the large investment could have been directed to other needs across the county.
Officials say the committee’s decision follows a comprehensive due diligence process that included detailed financial review, risk analysis, and evaluation of long-term sustainability.
Council examined project costs, funding commitments, operational structure, and timelines, say officials, and worked to ensure the initiative aligns with Clearwater County’s strategic priorities and fiscal responsibilities before voting in favour of advancing the program.
“Our focus now is on protecting the County’s long-term interests and making sure this investment is delivered successfully,” says Northcott in a provided statement.
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The approval follows confirmation of additional funding support from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Government of Alberta, announced January 30, 2026, in Ardrossan, Alberta by the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, and the Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation of Alberta.
Officials note the announcement following more than two decades of planning and feasibility work under council direction and through the Clearwater County Broadband Committee, along with this funding announcement mark a significant milestone in the project’s development.
The broadband initiative is positioned to deliver high-speed internet service to more than 4,300 households across Clearwater County, with construction anticipated to be completed by March 31, 2027.
The project will establish fibre-based infrastructure through an open-access network model, enabling multiple internet service providers to offer services.
County officials say more information and project updates will be shared in the coming weeks through the county’s official communication channels.
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