RURAL BROADBAND INTERNET IS COMING TO THE TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGWATER

SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP/ February 17, 2009 – The Township of Springwater is excited to announce that, in collaboration with the County of Simcoe, they will soon move forward on plans to build local broadband infrastructure. Beginning in April of 2009, Springwater Township (as part of Project Area C, which does not include Hillsdale) will be the first area to be covered. Township staff have recently been advised that the Request for Proposal (RFP) to potential Internet Service Providers (ISP) is expected to be released in late February, with a response date of late March.

Through a partnership with the Government of Ontario, the Township of Springwater will work with the Rural Connections Broadband Program, which provides funding to help rural municipalities build high-speed Internet projects in their communities. The program’s goal is to bring broadband access to rural and remote areas currently under-serviced in southern Ontario. Broadband combines telecommunications infrastructure and service to deliver more Internet information at speeds far greater than dial-up service, something that will be a great benefit to residents of Springwater Township. The Township of Springwater, along with the municipalities of Adjala-Tosorontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Clearview, Essa, New Tecumeth, Tay, Tiny, Severn, and Oro-Medonte, collaborated with the County of Simcoe on this project.

The County of Simcoe was one of fifteen municipalities approved for funding, and IT Director, Brian Smith couldn’t be happier. “The broadband development plan that we put forth will go a long way to closing the Internet service gaps that currently exist across the County,” said Smith. “With the tremendous growth occurring in our region, this is vital infrastructure to support both economic development and quality of life for our residents.” The County of Simcoe is eligible for $1 million, which amounts to one-third of the approved eligible costs of the project.

Springwater is a municipality of approximately 18,000 residents located in the heart of Simcoe County. 2009 celebrates the 15th anniversary of the amalgamated Township of Springwater. The Township is governed by a seven-member council with a complement of 60 full and part-time staff. The municipal office is located at the Simcoe County Administration Centre in Midhurst, with Council Chambers situated in the Village of Elmvale.