Citizens of the Village of Delburne must be as excited as their elected officials at the thought of the high-speed internet project the municipality will enjoy this summer.
At their regular council meeting Mar. 10 in the village office, council discussed the fibre optic internet project that involves a partnership between the village and neighbouring municipality Red Deer County.
Village CAO Karen Fegan notified council that a request for proposals (RFP) was prepared to go out, and was just awaiting a final look by lawyers Mar. 11. The RFP will be open until Apr. 3 and the proposals from contractors will be presented to councillors at the week following for decision.
Coun. Daphne Warner said she had heard positive feedback from the public about the fibre optic internet project.
Mayor Bill Chandler echoed those comments. “I’ve heard all positive comments,” said the mayor.
“This will make Delburne the smallest community in Alberta to have one-gigabyte internet service.
“Red Deer County has amended their budget from $2 million to $4 million to bring a fibre-optic network through Red Deer County to Delburne.
“On Mar. 3, 2020, Delburne council had amended their Capital Budget and Capital Plan to include the installation of fibre optic services. The high-speed internet project is an investment of $1.15 million which will be covered off by grants and borrowing.”
Fegan stated the village office has fielded a number of calls from people wanting to know when more information would be available about the project which will be extended to every residence in the village.
It’s expected the project will be complete sometime in the coming fall.
Stu Salkeld, LJI reporter
ECA Review
