The Canadian Coast Guard, the Strathcona Regional District, and CityWest have expanded the Connected Coast network to equip 16 remote Light Stations and Lifeboat Stations with state-of-the-art fibre-optic connectivity.
Three further sites will be connected this fall.
The project team says improved connectivity along B.C.’s rugged coastline enhances marine safety and modernizes communication infrastructure.
In addition to providing service to Canadian Coast Guard stations, the infrastructure at the sites bolsters the network and helps with providing internet services to neighbouring communities.
The partnership also allows for funding to install Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) sensors in key locations, including at some of the Coast Guard’s remote stations.
The Connected Coast Network is bringing new or improved high-speed internet accessibility to 139 rural and remote coastal communities, including 48 Indigenous communities – representing 44 First Nations – along the BC coast from north of Prince Rupert, to Haida Gwaii, south to Vancouver, and around Vancouver Island.
To learn more, visit Strathcona Regional District.