SOUTH GLENGARRY, Ontario – Members of 32 households on Tree Haven Rd. often frequent Tim Hortons in their community, and not just for coffee.
On Tuesday, Oct. 30, residents presented South Glengarry Councillor-elect Sam McDonell with a petition requesting support in receiving high speed internet.
Residents currently only have Xplornet as an option for internet service. The community has expressed how their internet capabilities are insufficient for their needs under this provider and are hoping to see a change soon.
“Tim Hortons internet isn’t good anymore either because they have everyone from Tree Haven trying to use it,” said Robert Lamb, one of the residents who started the petition.
According to Lamb, community members often seek out alternative internet sources for school, business and communication purposes. Students who reside on Tree Haven Rd. will stay at friends’ homes in Cornwall until they are finished with their homework, and anyone who requires internet for work may travel daily to a reliable source, like Nav Centre.
Lamb commended the SDG Library for their multitude of services available and is frustrated that community members can’t access them because of their internet capabilities.
“When is the rubber going to hit the road? Let’s see something happen,” said Lamb, who is hoping to see a change within the next six to 12 months.
One of Councillor-elect Sam McDonell’s main campaign points included doing everything that he can to improve broadband service for members of the municipality.
“They would give up pavement on their road for better internet,” said McDonell, who recognized the need for more modern infrastructure.
McDonell also has experience living in an area with insufficient internet options. He notices different parts of the municipality with fiber optics and understands the frustration from Tree Haven Rd. residents.
“I think it is an important issue. It’s not necessarily something the Township can fully supply, but there are (government) grants in motion now…” said McDonell. “South Glengarry (residents) pay significant taxes…it would be ideal to have Fiber Optics, but at least have hard wired high speed internet.”
On Oct. 26, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced that the federal government will work with provincial and territorial ministers to develop universal access to broadband service across the country. Nearly two years ago, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) denoted that broadband was a basic service and called on the federal government to develop a Canada-wide strategy.
