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County of Wetaskiwin moving ahead on broadband strategy

Municipality looks to CAEP for help and partner funding
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The County of Wetaskiwin will move forward with a plan to increase broadband internet access across the municipality after a staff report at the regular meeting of council June 8.

County CAO Rod Hawken, who investigated the issue, submitted a report for council that illustrated how complicated this process could be.

“At the May 1st, 2018 council general meeting following Councilor L. Seely’s monthly report a discussion occur on a possible grant for broadband development through Central Alberta Economic Development (CAEP),” stated Hawken’s report to council.

“CAEP advised they partnered with Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) another Regional Economic Development Alliance (REDA) who are the lead on this contract. CAEP does not, at this point, have Community and Regional Economic Support funding to allocate to this project. However, CAEP was successful in securing funding for municipal investment attraction readiness and coaching program and have room for five (5) additional municipalities to participate. CAEP provided a detailed “Regional Broadband Preparedness Study for Municipal and Regional Opportunities and Options in the CAEP Region” and excerpts from the study relative to the County of Wetaskiwin provided for Council’s review.

“CAEP further advised that since late February, progress has been made on broadband business case development through their partner BRAED. The consultant chosen by BRAED identified there were better experts in the field to complete the business case on behalf of the CAEP sub-regions. Further, it was identified that the CAEP region is about 18 months to 2 years further along the broadband trajectory than BRAED members. CAEP provided a sample Broadband Business Case study of the Calgary area which may be utilized as a framework for the development of a business case for the County. CAEP advised that the County will not be successful in the grant application process if a business case is not developed.

“After a business case is developed which will be contingent upon the outcomes, and considering it all looks positive, and if the County as a sub region moves forward, the next steps include the development of either a Community Infrastructure Master Plan relative to broadband – can be rolled out in stages, 5-10 years, a Business Plan which would be the next level of detail and somewhat of an implementation template, or both… (CAEP recommends the County do both).”

Hawken noted the community at large would benefit from better broadband internet service, but the question was how to obtain the service.

Councilor Terry Van de Kraats said this issue faces rural areas across the country and it doesn’t appear politicians are eager to spend money in rural Canada.

Hawken said some areas are not serviced as well as others because the companies involved can’t make a big enough return on investment.

Councilor Josh Bishop suggested negotiating agreements so that the entire municipality is included, not just the best areas.

Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers noted that at least CAEP is going to help with the business study.

Councilor Lyle Seely said the county should do more than talk about it. “We need to move forward,” said Seely. “Let’s start the process.”

Hawken noted in his memo that one option open to council is move forward and engage CAEP to initiate a Broadband Business Case Development Study for the County of Wetaskiwin and approve in principle for CAEP to apply for CARES funding and/or federal funding in partnership with the sub regional parties/municipalities on the basis that the Business Case is positive.

Councilors unanimously agreed to do so.

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca