Internet infrastructure upgrades coming to north shore Resort Municipality

Much-needed internet serviceupgrades are coming to theResort Municipality of Stanley Bridge, Hope River, Bayview, Cavendish and North Rustico, the province and federal government announced Saturday.

Residents and businesseshave been complaining about the poor internet service in the area for years, calling it the worst site in Prince Edward Island.

Tourist operators also get negative comments from visitors about the unreliability of internet service.

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The upgrades will improve service along Route 6 from Bayview into Stanley Bridge, and a section of Reid Road and Seawood Estates.

The province is contributing$20,832 toprojectwhile the federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is contributing $62,500.

Residents in the Resort Municipality are also paying for a portion of the work while the municipality will add $11,668 generated through gas tax.

Eastlink secured the bid for the project.

"Eastlink is pleased to have been selected to be part of this exciting development," said an email from the company.

"This past year alone, Eastlink expanded our core fibre-based Internet service to Stanley Bridge, Brackley, Harrington, Hyde Point Rd/Rte 19 area, Upper Meadowbank Rd/TCH area, and Blue Shank Road, and now, through this partnership, Seawood Estates/Cavendish West," the email continued.

"Access to high-speed internet is no longer a perk of a travel destination, it's an expectation of travelers," said Matthew Jelley,chair of theResort Municipality in a news release.

"To remain competitive, this project was a priority of our community."

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