2023 Year in Review - Connected Coast

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

As we reflect on the milestones achieved in 2023, we want to share the progress made by the Connected Coast Project. Of significance is the installation of the final cable linking BC’s North Coast to Vancouver Island. Further expansion of the network along the inside coast, in the Broughten Archipelago, and the Discovery Islands was also completed. As the year progressed, cables were installed for the main line of the network between Port Hardy through to the north tip of Quadra Island.

In addition to site construction and cable laying, the team was busy working through a rigorous commissioning process and activating sites. As of this update, the network is active between Prince Rupert & Haida Gwaii as well as well as from Prince Rupert to Scarlett Point, with work underway to commission and activate the network further south through the Johnstone Strait in the new year.

A pivotal event in our journey occurred when we successfully connected the marine network to the Vancouver Internet Exchange. This crucial link paved the way for commissioning and activation of the southern network including Cortes and Denman Islands.

In total, approximately 40 landings and 600 Km’s of cable in 2023 were constructed.

Permitting

Before any exciting construction work can occur, a team of experts work on preparing, submitting and supporting permitting applications with multiple provincial and federal agencies. This coordination work takes place at the same time as community and First Nations engagement. All of this effort resulted in the project submitting the final set of applications for Provincial review in November of 2023.

The next milestones for permitting will be approved permits for the full west coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast.

INTERACTIVE BUILD STATUS MAP

We are excited to share that the final block for the Connected Coast network has been submitted for provincial permits! This exciting milestone means (drum roll…) > 100% of the designed network is now in process.

Follow along and see the current build status on specific locations, search the status of specific landing sites and zoom in for more details. The coming months will be busy with many landing connections switching on, so check in regularly as the map tracks the installation progress.

Follow the construction journey at www.connectedcoast.ca/map

NEWS

Connected Coast Network Delivers Improved Connectivity to Remote BC Canadian Coast Guard Stations

The Connected Coast Network and the Canadian Coast Guard are pleased to announce improved connectivity at Coast Guard’s remote Light Stations and Lifeboat Stations.

Through collaboration and partnership, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Strathcona Regional District, and CityWest expanded the Connected Coast network to equip 16 remote stations with state-of-the-art fibre-optic connectivity.

The Connected Coast Network is currently under construction, and this summer the design of the network has already provided high-speed internet access for Canadian Coast Guard stations at Bella Bella, Bonilla Island, Boat Bluff, Dryad Point, and Addenbroke Island. Three further sites – Scarlett Point, Pulteney Point and Chatham Point – will be connected this fall.

Improved connectivity along B.C.’s rugged coastline enhances marine safety and modernizes communication infrastructure. Coast Guard personnel will have the added capacity to communicate with internal and external response partners.

Earthquake Early Warning System Network Extended on the Connected Coast Network

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is pleased to announce funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to enhance earthquake safety along the Connected Coast Network.

Through this collaboration, the SRD will install Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) sensors in high seismic risk areas along the Connected Coast Network route, supplementing NRCan’s national EEW system. The initiative aims to provide crucial seconds of warning to coastal communities before the strongest shaking occurs, enabling the protection of SRD’s infrastructure, and the region’s communities, facilities, and the environment when time is of the essence.

MARINER SIGNAGE

REMINDER to all Mariners about our new fibre cable network on BC’s seafloor. Stay informed and help us spread the word! Signage showcasing our cutting-edge fibre network is available online and displayed at key dock locations.

HELP SPREAD the word

✅ SHARE our social media posts with fellow mariners, colleagues, and friends.

✅ VISIT our website at connectedcoast.ca/operations to view and download the signage. Print it out or email it to others so they can join the conversation.

STAY INFORMED and be in the know

✅ CHECK UPDATES on CHS (Canadian Hydrographic Service) charts to navigate the latest information on our network.

✅ DOWNLOAD live route files from our website at connectedcoast.ca/operations for real-time updates on the connectivity routes.

Let’s work together to ensure everyone is aware of the game-changing Connected Coast project. Together, we’re connecting communities, empowering innovation, and charting a brighter future!

CABLE LOCATION RECENT UPDATES
– KMZ (GOOGLE EARTH) & GPX FILES

Recent updates to our as-built cable location files in KMZ (Google Earth file format) & GPX (navigation file) are available online. Please fill out the form on our website to receive a copy and future mapping updates.

ISP’s and Reseller Process

The Connected Coast Network (CCN) is built, owned, maintained & operated under a partnership (CCN Partnership) between City West Management Corp. (CW) and Strathcona Regional District. CW, as the managing partner, primarily is responsible for all aspects of design, commissioning, maintenance and support of network infrastructure, services and third-party agreements.

In accordance with government policy, funding agreements with Canada (i.e., ISED and ISC) and the Province (i.e., NDIT), and with the objective to maximize benefits for communities proximate to the CCN, the CCN Partnership is committed to open access and collaboration with other internet service providers (ISPs) & resellers. The CCN Partnership recognizes its responsibility to operate the CCN in a manner that protects stakeholder interests by providing reliable & affordable network services to coastal and northern BC communities, delivered by practicing sound & sustainable business practices.

See the below links for downloads:

Please contact the Connected Coast team at info@connectedcoast.ca for any questions or assistance with your submission.

LAST-MILE FUNDING & PARTNERSHIPS

Funding Announcements

Last-Mile & Anchor Partnerships

The Connected Coast Project team continues to work with communities, First Nations, and Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) to plan for future fibre-optic services.

Photo & Video Gallery

See the construction action as it takes place.
View photos that capture landing sites being built, sub-sea fibre being laid and watch videos and interviews of the construction crew and First Nations partners on the project website photo gallery.

Project Member Spotlight

Renée LaBoucane – SRD Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Renée LaBoucane works with the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) as Manager, Strategic Initiatives. She supports the Connected Coast Project with communication, partner engagement and administrative functions.

Prior to relocating to Vancouver Island, Renée lived in several rural communities and has a deep appreciation for the significance connectivity plays in community development; recognizing its role in fostering equity for all Canadians. She is excited contribute to a project that bridges the digital divide to provide greater opportunities for those living in rural and remote locations.

Renée and her husband Ritchard have lived in Campbell River for nearly 3 years and enjoy life on Vancouver Island! They enjoy exploring the area which as led them to some of the remote Connected Coast landing sites.

Renée at the Connected Coast Landing Site at Cluxewe Resort Port McNeill, BC

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