Broadband Project Progress Tracker
Below is the interactive Broadband Project progress tracker map. Use the left navigation menu to explore the map. If you want to view the map in a new window, click here.
Core Backbone Broadband Internet Plan
The strategy involves a Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN) model, which brings a fibre connection to hundreds of customers within a given radius of the node. From there, Internet service providers (ISP) will deliver service from the node to the individual destination. This means the County will not be providing end-user Internet services but encouraging competition among ISPs.
The project would cost approximately $20 million and would take between three and six years to complete. After which, 85% of residents and businesses would have nearby access to the core backbone and the opportunity for high-speed Internet connectivity.
What will this mean for residents and businesses?

Speed

Service
- Voice over the Internet Protocol (VOIP) Phone
- Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)
- Prepaid Internet access for tourists and campers
- Agri-Tech services

Opportunity for ISP Collaboration
Clearwater County is undertaking the development of an open access broadband network and associated business plan for the Clearwater County Broadband Network. The County is seeking input from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with the goal of aligning the business plan with both the needs of the County’s residents and businesses as well as the current and planned infrastructure and services that ISPs have available within the County.
The objective of this plan is to guide the County’s investment and direction to construct broadband infrastructure to accelerate the delivery of improved broadband services by ISPs in the County.
Individual collaboration sessions will be scheduled with each ISP during the next three weeks, utilizing on-line meeting technologies to exchange information. Interested ISPs are encouraged to email OpenAccessCWC@ibigroup.com for more information.
Public Engagement
Phase III
As part of ongoing consultation efforts for the Broadband Internet Project, Administration conducted public engagement initiatives that aimed to provide up-to-date information and gather feedback using an online and in-person comment form.
Information was distributed about project budget estimates, timelines and the impacts on residents and businesses through the County website and promoted using local newspapers, Facebook and Twitter. To better understand attitudes towards the project, Administration provided an online and hard-copy comment form for the public to submit their opinions and questions. Submission of comment forms was made available for a total of 21 days, from July 30 to August 20, 2020.
Upon review, the responses demonstrated that a large majority were in favour of the broadband project with most emphasizing the need for high-speed Internet service in the region. However, considerable apprehension also exists about the ability of Internet service providers (ISP) to deliver quality Internet connectivity.
Among the key findings from the responses:
- A large majority (76%) of respondents were supportive of the broadband project.
- The project is seen as a key driver of economic development and diversification.
- Supporters expressed the importance of connecting remote areas of the County.
- There are considerable concerns about the performance of Internet service providers.
- There are questions about the sequencing of project stages.
To see the entire What We Heard report click here.
Glossary
Understanding technical terms can be challenging sometimes. To view the glossary of network and broadband terminology click here.