Regional Connectivity Strategy

On May 9, 2024 Planetworks Consulting began work on the Regional Connectivity Strategy Report Project. This project is in its early stages and will be completed in late Fall 2024.

When the project is complete the Broadband Internet and Mobility Committee (BIMC) will recieve a report that will provide valuable information on connectivity needs of the region and will provide suggestions for future plans for connectivity in the Peace River Regional District (PRRD).

Connectivity Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2487, 2022 – ADM-BRD-300

As a result of the work done to date, the Board has proposed the establishment of Bylaw No. 2487 to create a service that authorizes the PRRD to enter into partnering agreements with internet or cellular service providers to apply for grant funding for connectivity projects, enter into partnering agreements to provide capital grant for broadband infrastructure projects, and establish a resource for the PRRD to manage and advance broadband initiatives.

Residents, businesses, and organizations within the PRRD will have access to reliable, redundant, high-speed Broadband Internet services in their homes, businesses and public buildings, at performance levels that meet all of their needs for health, education, economic development, that are delivered now and into the future.

With the increasing demand for new applications, consumers and businesses are consuming bandwidth at an ever increasing rate. To respond, local governments across the country are owning and operating broadband infrastructure and networks. Traditionally a service provided by the private sector, local governments are being asked to provide leadership and innovation, and leverage Broadband opportunities to bring greater economic diversity, resiliency, and prosperity to their communities. The PRRD Connectivity Strategy is based on a collective vision from Electoral Areas B, C, D and E, and the City of Dawson Creek, District of Chetwynd, District of Taylor, District of Hudson’s Hope, and the Village of Pouce Coupe.

The minimum target speed set by the CRTC for Canadians is 50 megabits per second (mbps) download with a 10 mbps upload, however, connectivity demands are expected to continue to increase beyond the “50/10 mbps target” due to the rapidly changing nature of information and communications technology. Despite multiple grant funding programs being developed to upgrade or establish broadband infrastructure, the challenges to connect are still an obstacle for many residents. To overcome this divide, local governments must take an active role in the deployment of Broadband Infrastructure in their communities.