Photo by Curtis Galbraith.

By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

City hall looking at ways to address internet connectivity issues

Nov 28, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Grande Prairie City Council approved two things meant to improve internet service at its November 18 meeting.

One is a broadband analysis that would look at network requirements and things like potential routes.

The other is a Fibre Optics Rebate Program that would see city fees refunded up to the full amount for fibre optics projects.

Councillor Mike O’Connor says this is something businesses wanted.

“We’ve heard, when we’ve done our city walkabout and talked to businesses (that) they are very concerned about some of the spotty connection that they’re getting.”

“If you’re wanting to attract large businesses to come here, and just to support our businesses here, you need to have reliable internet.”

O’Connor adds there are several areas of the city that “need it more.”

“I think Richmond Industrial Park has poor connectivity. I think the north part of the city has (some) poor connectivity.”

O’Connor says it is important the city does something to address issues with internet service.

“Our city boundary goes out to (the) Hughes Lake area, so we need to make sure that any new businesses that are coming in to build, we need to be able to say hey, we’ve got the infrastructure, and you need to move here because we have it to support you.”

A report prepared by city staff says a Request for Expressions of Interest about improving broadband connectivity attracted 13 proposals.

The RFI was open from April 1 to June 10 this year.