After over two decades of planning, Clearwater County’s Broadband Internet Project is set to begin in earnest in 2025.
In the run up, the county has announced the launch of a new online information hub, as well as planned public consultation sessions.
The project will consist of fibre-optic internet connectivity, which the county describes as “future-proof”, allowing economic growth through increase online connectivity for businesses and individuals.
Fibre is expected to have a life-expectancy of at least 50 years, says Murray Hagan, Director of Corporate Services, and doesn’t have issues such as latency, which is seen in other methods such as satellite.
In Budget 2025, council approved over $43.6 million in spending on the project, with nearly $28.7 million through capital revenues, and nearly $15 million through restricted surplus transfers.
Additionally, grants from the federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Government of Alberta (GoA) will fund up to 75 per cent of these costs.
Full project funding breakdown of Clearwater County’s Broadband Connectivity Project. (Clearwater County)
Currently there is a fibre optic “backbone” already in the ground, which runs from Nordegg, through Rocky Mountain House, all the way to the Sundre, Olds area, says Cam McDonald, Director of Information Services.
But now that grant funding is in place, the county can now move ahead full-steam with the project, he says.
Central Alberta regions receiving Universal Broadband Grant (UBF), including three areas within Clearwater County. (Clearwater County)
The rollout will begin in five stages, combining fibre-optic cables and wireless towers to provide high-speed internet connectivity throughout the county.
Additionally, officials say the network will be an open access platform, meaning different providers can offer their services on the same fibre, offering residents freedom of choice.
Conversations around broadband have been happening as early as 2004, when Clearwater County began looking into options that would connect residents to high speed internet.
Public engagement plans have been proposed for spring 2025.
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