Funding Announced for Community Internet Development

Communities will be better able to develop Internet-based programs and services, thanks to a program launched by the province today, Sept. 25.

Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris announced $100,000 in funding for the Building a High Speed Future program to help communities develop new Internet-based services. It will ensure communities are better positioned to develop a stronger presence on-line, and become more competitive. Speaking at the Celebrating Communities Conference held in Truro, Mr. Paris encouraged more than 200 community leaders and innovators from across the province to plan for a high-speed future.

"We must work together to develop a culture of broadband use across Nova Scotia," said Mr. Paris. "With broadband applications, community programs and services can be delivered more effectively, we can run our businesses more effectively, and we can educate our children more effectively."

The program, managed by the Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiative, will fund community projects that deliver online content and services, support broadband leadership, and Internet-related learning and development.

Communities applying for funds must first participate in a Planning for a High speed Future workshop provided by the broadband initiative. The workshop helps participants identify how broadband applications can help communities survive, grow and prosper.

"The arrival of high-speed will drive change in these communities and offer a new set of solutions to rural challenges," said Mr. Paris. "It is important that communities take time to think about how they can use broadband to achieve their community economic development goals."

Project partners will provide at least 25 per cent of costs in funding or in-kind services. Proposals will be accepted until Dec. 18.

More information on program criteria is available at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/broadband .

The Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiative will give all of Nova Scotia's schools, businesses and families the opportunity to connect and compete worldwide. It is being cost shared by the provincial and federal governments and high-speed service providers.