The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced the Provincial Government’s latest project to expand wireless coverage in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through a cost-shared agreement with Bell Canada, and the towns of Lark Harbour and York Harbour, the Provincial Government is contributing over $89,000 to provide cellular service in the towns, which currently do not have access to wireless services. This non-repayable contribution represents 25 per cent of total funding for the project, which is estimated to cost over $393,000. Bell will contribute $224,000, with the two towns funding the remaining portion.
This funding enables the deployment of Bell’s LTE (Long Term Evolution) broadband wireless technology in the communities, benefitting residents, businesses and tourism from an economic development and public safety perspective.
Announced as part of Budget 2018 and through the Regional Development Fund, the Provincial Government issued a call for proposals for a cost-shared cellular service pilot program, contributing up to a maximum of 25 per cent of project costs towards cellular coverage infrastructure upgrades. The remaining 75 per cent will be provided by the service provider, municipalities, private ventures, co-operatives, social enterprises and/or regional government partnerships.
Support for innovation and technology delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Our government continues to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador through initiatives from The Way Forward. This announcement will allow for greater exposure to the beauty of the Bay of Islands region, while enhancing local opportunities. I commend the communities of Lark Harbour and York Harbour for partnering to make this investment in cell coverage.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“People said it would never happen, but this cell service partnership between Bell, the Provincial Government and our towns, not only provides added convenience and safety for the residents of Lark Harbour, but also helps promote tourism and economic development in our area of scenic beauty, amazing trail networks, and access to big nature.”
Jeff Parker
Mayor, Town of Lark Harbour
“The towns have had this on their agenda for many years and have always known the importance of cell service for both tourism and safety. We would like to thank Bell and the Provincial Government for working with us in getting this project off the ground and making it possible.”
Nelson Childs
Mayor, Town of York Harbour
“As the leading builder of Canada’s next-generation communications infrastructure, including here in Newfoundland and Labrador, Bell recognizes that investment in advanced wireless is an investment in economic development. We are pleased to partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the communities of Lark Harbour and York Harbour to expand wireless service in the Bay of Islands area.”
Glen LeBlanc
Vice Chair Atlantic, Bell Canada
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Learn more
Cellular Service Pilot Initiative Call for Proposals
Towns of Lark Harbour/York Harbour
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Nicola Parker
Town of Lark Harbour
709-681-2270
larkharbourtowncouncil@nf.aibn.com
Sharon Callfas
Town of York Harbour
709-681-2280
Isabelle Boulet
Bell Canada
506-457-5554, 506-478-7823
isabelle.boulet@bellaliant.ca