Long Point logs on thanks to high-speed funding

Project brings broadband infrastructure to over 900 lakeside homes and businesses in Norfolk

Long Point used to be where Wi-Fi went to die.

But more than 900 homes and businesses in rural Norfolk County are now browsing speedily thanks to broadband infrastructure installed through Southwest Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), a non-profit initiative to bring highspeed internet to underserviced areas.

The province and Ottawa contributed a combined $1.2 million to the Long Point project, which connected 927 addresses — including along the sand spit to Old Cut — by laying over three kilometres of fibre-optic cable from Port Rowan to the cottage community.

Work started in 2019, but was slowed by the need to replace a bridge on the Long Point causeway, explained ward councillor Tom Masschaele. Now that the main fibre-optic line has been connected, SWIFT’s inaugural project is officially complete.

“I have always been very proud of the fact that Norfolk County was chosen as the first project area of 37 municipalities,” Masschaele said, noting internet connectivity in his ward had been “sorely lacking” and having high-speed access “has been a great benefit to businesses and residents alike.”

Faster internet provides “a solid foundation for economic growth and innovation while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents,” SWIFT board chair Gary McNamara said.

The province and Ottawa contributed a combined $1.2 million to the Long Point project