04 - October 22, 2020 Connectivity Committee Agenda Package
CONNECTIVITYCOMMITTEEMEETING
,October22,2020
Table of Contents
I.Agenda……………………………………………………………………………...2
II.Connectivity Committee Meeting Minutes –October 8, 2020…………………3
III.Elgin County Connectivity Committee: Literature Review..……………………6
IV.Action Plan Update…………………………………………………………………13
V.Draft Connectivity Survey (Public) Communications Plan……………………..21
VI.Current Internet Service Provider Survey………………………………………..23
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CONNECTIVITY COMMITTEE
MEETING
Thursday, October22, 2020
1:00 p.m.
Meeting to be held electronically.
Agenda
1.Approval of Agenda
2.Adoption of October 8, 2020 Minutes
3.Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
4.Literature Review – Library Staff
5.Action Plan Update – Councillor Marks, Chief Administrative Officer
6.Summary of Discussion with Local Municipal Partners – Chief Administrative
Officer (Verbal)
7.InternetForum – General Manager of Economic Development (Verbal)
8.Draft Connectivity Survey (Public) Communications Plan – Supervisor of
Legislative Services
9.Draft Internet Service Provider Survey – Supervisor of Legislative Services
10.Date of Next Meeting
11.Adjournment
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Meeting:Connectivity Committee
Date: October 8, 2020
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Webex
Attendees: Tom Marks, Councillor andCommitteeChair
Dominique Giguère, Councillorand Committee Vice Chair
Dave Mennill, Warden
Justin Pennings, Community Member
Mike Andrews, Community Member
Regrets: Joshua Kiirya, Community Member
Shawn Southern, Community Member
Staff:Julie Gonyou, Chief Administrative Officer
Jim Bundschuh, Director of Financial Services
Alan Smith, General Manager of Economic Development
Al Reitsma, Manager of Information Technology
Cecil Coxen, IT Manager – Township of Malahide
Katherine Thompson, Supervisor of Legislative Services
Carolyn Krahn, Legislative Services Coordinator
DRAFT MINUTES
1.Call to Order
th
The Connectivity Committee met this 8day of October, 2020. The meeting was
called to order at 1:00 p.m.
2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest andthe General Nature Thereof
None.
3.Approval of Agenda
Moved by: Warden Mennill
Seconded by:Mike Andrews
Resolved that the agenda be approved as presented.
3
Recorded Vote
YesNo
CouncillorTomMarksYes
CouncillorDominiqueYes
JustinPenningsYes
MikeAndrewsYes
WardenMennillYes
50
-Motion Carried.
4.Adoption of September 22, 2020 Minutes
Moved by: Justin Pennings
Seconded by: Councillor
Resolved that the minutes of the previous meeting be adopted.
Recorded Vote
YesNo
CouncillorTomMarksYes
CouncillorDominiqueYes
JustinPenningsYes
MikeAndrewsYes
WardenMennillYes
50
-Motion Carried.
5.SWIFT Update – Barry Field
Barry Field provided an overview of the SWIFT Project, including SWIFT’s
procurement approach, technology choices, the project status for Elgin County,
targeted outcomes,the current situation, what areas SWIFT will address, and
opportunities for additional broadband funding.
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6.Reviewing the Action Plan
The Chief Administrative Officer presented the Committee’s Action Plan, which
was developed at the previous meeting, and the Committee provided feedback to
finalize the plan.
As a part of the Committee’s Action Plan, the Manager of IT presented a draft
gin County Connectivity CommitteeInternet Survey, and the Committee
El
provided feedback.
The Chief Administrative Officer recommended that the Manager of IT consult
with the Director of Community and Cultural Services to discussprivacy concerns
regarding the collection of personal information, specifically residents’ home
addresses.
Based on the Committee’s feedback, the survey will be updated and posted. A
promotional plan will be developedand implemented.In consultation with the
Local Municipalities, paper copies of thesurvey will be made available at various
locations throughout Elgin County.
7.Date of Next Meeting
The Committee will meet again on Thursday, October 22at 1:00 p.m.
8.Adjournment
Moved by: Justin Pennings
Seconded by: Councillor
Resolved that the meeting adjourn at 2:26 p.m.
Recorded Vote
YesNo
CouncillorTomMarksYes
CouncillorDominiqueYes
JustinPenningsYes
MikeAndrewsYes
40
-Motion Carried.
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REPORT TO COUNTY COMMITTEE
FROM: Erin Braam, Natalie Marlowe & Merrill
Taylor; Community and Cultural Services
DATE: October 15, 2020
SUBJECT: Elgin County Connectivity Committee:
Literature Review
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the October 15th, 2020 report titled Elgin County Connectivity Committee Literature
Review submitted by Erin Braam, Natalie Marlowe and Merrill Taylor, be received and
filed for information.
INTRODUCTION:
At the request of the Elgin County Connectivity Committee, a consolidated literature
review was developed regarding rural broadband Internet projects that have been
successful solutions for other Ontario communities.
This literature review profiles five communities in Ontario and Alberta that have not
been formally reviewed by the Committee and have implemented successful rural
broadband Internet projects. Communities profiled include Amherstburg, ON; Olds, AB;
Chatham, ON; Chapleau First Nations, ON; and Timiskaming and Gogama-Foleyet,
ON. Given that the County Connectivity Committee has current knowledge of Eastern
Ontario Regional network, SWIFT, and Packet Works, these projects were not
reviewed.
The purpose of this review is to identify ideas and solutions for existing knowledge gaps
in Elgin County and contribute further understanding of this topic.
DISCUSSION:
In the profiles of each of the six rural communities below, the discussion addresses
points of interest to the Connectivity Committee including private-public partnerships,
technologies used, project cost, and contribution of the participating municipality.
1. Amherstburg Project
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The town of Amherstburg, Ontario gave Bell Canada a proposal, and they committed to
an agreement whereby no rural customer would be left out. The project was announced
in November 2017, began in the spring of 2018, and was projected to be completed for
all residents by July 1, 2020.
Technologies Used:
Each customer was connected to fibre Internet and would “have up to a gigabyte”. Up
until this project, SWIFT was the town’s only option (which they were not interested in
pursuing because they felt it was outdated technology).
Project Cost & Partnership Type:
$12 million+ – Bell picking up entire bill and … “while the town won't be making any
monetary contribution to the project, it has agreed to provide any resources needed to
expedite the process” including streamlined access to permits and city records. Essex
Power and Hydro One were “very receptive to the plan”.
Resource Links:
https://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/bell-bringing-fibre-internet-to-amherstburg-with-
12-million-investment-1.3468104
https://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/amherstburg-s-high-speed-internet-installation-
nearing-completion-1.10629951
https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/game-changer-aburg-getting-high-speed-fibre-
optic-internet-in-2018
https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/high-speed-internet-still-a-work-in-progress-in-
amherstburg
2. Olds Project
Olds, Alberta is the location where Canada’s first community-owned and operated
Fibre-to-the-Premises network started. In 2004, the Technology Committee of the Olds
Institute for Community & Regional Development began focusing on laying the
foundation for this connected community with the development of an Open Tele-
communication Network. In 2011, the construction of a state-of-the-art fibre-optic
network began.
Partnership Type:
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This project was a collaboration of schools, governments, and community leaders
brought together by The Olds Institute for Community & Regional Development created
by the Community Learning Campus and O-NET, a local Internet service provider.
Technologies Used & Project Cost:
This project used fibre optics and cost between $13 and $15 million. It was financed
using a loan backed by the town of Olds, and line of credit from a local bank.
Resource Links:
https://cooperativesfirst.com/blog/2018/02/16/how-to-become-the-most-connected-
community-in-canada/
https://o-net.ca/about-o-net/
https://calgaryherald.com/life/swerve/would-you-move-to-the-town-of-olds-for-its-gigabit-
age-internet-speed
https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/small-alberta-town-gets-massive-1-000-mbps-
broadband-boost-1.1382428
https://www.municipalworld.com/feature-story/broadband-connectivity-your-community/
Please use your Elgin County Library Card and PIN to access the following articles from
Press Reader, one of our eResources. The following links work best with Internet
Explorer:
https://pressreader.com/article/282144993964261
https://pressreader.com/article/281685432460767
3. Chatham Project
TekSavvy, which is Canada’s largest independent Internet service provider, is
headquartered in Chatham, Ontario. TekSavvy Solutions Inc. will build an open-access
fibre network in Chatham, and surrounding areas. They have never built their own
network entirely from scratch but will build a fibre-to-the-premises network in rural
Chatham-Kent.
Partnership Type & Contribution of Municipality:
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TekSavvy and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent announced a joint effort. The
Municipality intends to invest $6.5 million to facilitate an open-access fibre backbone
connecting communities in Chatham-Kent.
Technologies Used & Project Cost:
This project will develop a high-speed fibre broadband network in Chatham-Kent.
TekSavvy intends to invest up to $26 million over 18 months in the development of its
fibre network.
Resource Links:
https://www.teksavvy.com/in-the-news/2018-press-releases/teksavvy-and-chatham-
kent-plan-joint-effort-for-high-speed/
https://mobilesyrup.com/2020/02/20/teksavvy-partners-with-ericsson-expand-rural-
network/
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/teksavvy-chooses-ericsson-to-build-rural-lte-
network-in-southwestern-ontario-896216108.htm
https://financialpost.com/telecom/why-indie-internet-provider-teksavvy-is-building-its-
own-fibre-network-for-the-first-time
Please use your Elgin County Library Card and PIN to access the following article from
Press Reader, one of our eResources. The following link works best with Internet
Explorer:
https://pressreader.com/article/281496458619996
4. Chapleau First Nations Project
NEOnet worked with Bell Canada and FedNor to bring high-speed Internet in the
Chapleau Area First Nations Broadband Project. This project connected three Chapleau
area First Nations (Chapleau Cree First Nation, Brunswick House First Nation, and
Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation) in 2006.
Partnership Type:
Project Chapleau is a technology project developed by Bell Canada, Nortel and the
Township of Chapleau began operations in high-speed networking in 2005. Further
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support was provided by North Eastern Ontario Communications Network Inc.
(NEOnet), a not-for-profit organization that is supported by FedNor. This project is an
examples of the success of the public-private sector partnership.
Technologies Used & Project Cost:
With $513,600 in support from FedNor, two Chapleau-area connectedness projects
were supported: $27,600 to the Township of Chapleau to hire and Information
Technology Coordinator/Trainer and $486,000 to go to the North Eastern Ontario
Communication Network (NEOnet) to provide three area First Nations with high-speed
Internet service using a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Internet solution.
Resource Links:
http://media.knet.ca/node/1705
https://www.neonet.on.ca/
https://www.neonet.on.ca/projects/completed-projects/broadband/chapleau-first-nations-
broadband-project/
https://lakesuperiornews.com/News/Ontario/North-Eastern-Ontario/investing-in-reliable-
internet-for-northern-ontario
5. Timiskaming and Gogama-Foleyet Area Project
This project connected 18 rural communities in the Town of Latchford, Municipality of
Temagami, Goodfish, Hough Lake, Chamberlain Township, Coleman Township, King
Kirkland, Township of Gauthier, Gowganda, Nettie Lake, Foleyet, Chaput Hughes,
Gogama, Sesekinika, Kenogami, Westree and Shining Tree.
Partnership Type:
NEOnet and 18 partnering communities completed this project in 2009 with the support
of FedNor, NOHFC, and Ontera. Without the support of FedNor, NOHFC, and Ontera,
this $7,100,000 infrastructure would not have been a possibility.
Technologies Used & Project Cost:
Ontera developed a wireless broadband network using the Canopy Advantage System
supplied by Motorola Canada Ltd. This system provided a last-mile link to subscribers
and is a good fit for servicing the dispersed, low-density populations in the project. The
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system also featured a number of wireless POPs or access points. These groups are
located at the tower sites in the 18 participating communities. The wireless network is
connected to Ontera’s existing fibre optic network at Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Englehart,
New Liskeard and Temagami.
Resource Links:
https://www.neonet.om.ca/projects/complete-projects/broadband/timiskaming-and-
gogama-foleyet-area-broadband-project/
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/high-speed-internet-access-reaches-18-
northeastern-ontario-communities-544290722.html
https://www.northernontariobusiness.com/around-the-north/high-speed-internet-comes-
to-timiskaming-gogama-foleyet-366887
https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/ontera-wins-high-speed-chase-50769
https://news.ontario.ca/en/bulletin/14056/broadband-and-cellular-services-expanding-in-
northeast/
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Not applicable.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Serving Elgin Growing Elgin Investing in Elgin
Ensuring alignment of Planning for and Ensuring we have the
current programs and facilitating commercial, necessary tools,
services with communityindustrial, residential, resources, and
need.and agricultural growth. infrastructure to deliver
programs and services
now and in the future.
Exploring different Fostering a healthy
ways of addressing environment.
Delivering mandated
community need.
programs and services
Enhancing quality of
efficiently and
Engaging with our
place.
effectively.
community and other
stakeholders.
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LOCAL MUNICIPAL PARTNER IMPACT:
Not applicable at this time.
COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Not applicable.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, this review profiled five communities in Ontario and Alberta that have
implemented successful rural broadband Internet projects. The purpose of this review
was to identify ideas and solutions from the profiled communities for knowledge gaps
that exist in Elgin County. These profiles will contribute further understanding of this
topic and ultimately what the role of Elgin County is in supporting these gaps.
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.
will
presented to
–
Notes/Updates Literature Review completed by Community and Cultural Services Committee October 22, 2020 (attached). Research to identify best practices will be ongoingMike Andrews
facilitated connection. It is anticipated that the Executive Director of the Independent Telecommunications Providers Associationattend Connectivity Committee Meeting #5 (November
5, 2020).It is anticipated that an update will be provided to the Committee at Meetings #5 & 6.
facilitate
Services
HOW?Utilize Reference Librarian Support from Community and Cultural Timeline: 2 weeks for preliminary research; 2 weeks for analysis. OngoingMike Andrews to connectionDelegation to
committee Timeline: Meeting 4 or 5 subject to availability of the groupFollowing the literature review (communities to be identified in literature review).
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What has worked well?What has not worked well?What has worked well?What has not worked well?
WHAT DO WE WANT TO KNOW?Lessons learned Who did they work with to make it happen? What made the business case work for building rural fibre?Lessons learned Who did they work with to
make it happen? What made the business case work for building rural fibre?How did they make the business case to internet service providers?
Meeting #4 Update (October 22, 2020)
–
Work Plan
–
Actions Conduct a literature review to identify what other rural communities have done to address connectivity challenges and issues (i.e. best practices, emerging practices, lessons
learned, etc.)Meet with the Independent Telecommunications Providers AssociationTalk to other communities who have successfully implemented connectivity solutions
Conduct an Environmental Scan
Connectivity Committee
Update will be provided at Meeting #5. SWIFT is available as a resource as needed.
6 weeks after
-
Timeline: 4literature review, dependent on community partner availability (COVID/resourcing concerns)HOW? Jim will connect with the TVDSB and report back to committee. Timeline: Meeting
#5Discussion with Barry Field
s case
KNOW?
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connectivity currently look like in
What has worked well?What has not worked well?
What did they do to make the busineswork? Lessons learned Who did they work with to make it happen? WHAT DO WE WANT TO How many students do not have access tointernet at home? Are
there particular locations where students don’t have access to the internet?What does Elgin?
Meeting #4 Update (October 22, 2020)
–
Work Plan
–
A. Thames Valley District School Board
SOURCE Gather existing data that can help to inform the development of a connectivity strategy in Elgin. Contact the following organizations to access their data: B. SWIFT
Gather Existing Data
Connectivity Committee
ctober 22, 2020 and
Draft survey (attached) to be discussed by Committee on Odistributed following direction from Committee. Update will be provided at Meeting #5.Update will be provided at Meeting #5.
Update will be provided at Meeting #5.
–
of
draft completed
–
Survey by the committee Timeline: Meeting #4 distribution following meeting by email invitationJim will connect with OMAFRA and report back to committee. Timeline: Meeting #5Alan Smith
will connect with the Chamber Commerce (Aylmer and St. Thomas) and report back. Timeline: Meeting #5Katherine will connect with Public Health and report back. Timeline: Meeting #5
gaps?
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Where have you identified gaps?What does connectivity currently look like in Elgin? Where have you identified Would you be willing to have a one on one discussion with Committee Chair?Are
you aware of any areas that are not being served? Where? Are you aware of any areas that are underserved? Where?Are you aware of any areas that are not being served? Where? Are you
aware of any areas that are underserved? Where?Are you aware of any areas that are not being served? Where? Are you aware of any areas that are underserved? Where?
Meeting #4 Update (October 22, 2020)
–
Work Plan
–
C. Current ProvidersD. OMAFRAE. Chamber of CommerceF. Public Health
Connectivity Committee
w (October 22, 2020).
Survey completed October 15, 2020. Communications/Distribution Plan attached for Committee ReviePreliminary feedback has been gathered. A fulsome report will be provided to the Committee
at Meeting #5.
online and paper,
social media,
–
–
How Survey distribution plan to include local municipal partners and Elgin’s libraries Online County website, LMP websites Press Release and paid advertisements in local media outlets.
Timeline for survey: Week #4 Virtual Input SessionLocal Administrators to discuss strategy. CAO will report back Week #4. County Councillors
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What we need to know Where do you live?What do you have now? What is the speed? What do you pay for it? What do you need? What are you willing to contribute to the solution?What are
you doing? Where are the underserved areas? What are you willing to contribute to the solution?
Meeting #4 Update (October 22, 2020)
–
Work Plan
–
End Users (businesses/homeowners)Local Municipal Partners
Stakeholder A.B.
Engage Stakeholders
Connectivity Committee
It is anticipated that preliminary information will be presented to the Committee at Meeting #5. It is anticipated that preliminary information will be presented to the Committee at
Meeting #5. Information will be presented at Meeting #5.
e
Warden to Warden IT Manager to IT Manager Engineer to Engineer This will be ongoing.Staff to connect with potential infrastructure partners and provide updates when available. Engineering
Services to provide financial information regarding infrastructuropportunities (conduit). This will be ongoing.Gather existing data Timeline: Week #5
could leverage to
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Are you undertaking any infrastructure projects/road work that we could leverage to install fibre?What have you done? What has worked well? What has not worked well?Are you undertaking
any infrastructure projects/road work that we install fibre? What are you willing to contribute to the solution?How many students do not have access to internet at home?
Meeting #4 Update (October 22, 2020)
–
Engineering Services
–
Kent
-
Work Plan
–
ChathamElgin County LMPsUtilities
Neighbouring MunicipalitiesPotential Infrastructure PartnersThames Valley District School Board
C.D.E.
Connectivity Committee
–
ACTION: Committee to set date for Internet Forum. Alan Smith to present framework for Committee review and direction October 22, 2020. Presentation from Barry Field received by Committee
at Meeting #3.
following meeting
–
If needed, consider survey. Internet Forum (Committee to set date in November 2020.) Survey #4 One on one interviews with interested ISPs, following the survey and forum.Interview withBarry
Field
n you share that
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work together to implement
particular locations where students
Are there don’t have access to the internet? What are the current costs of rural internet, and do they prevent access? What are you willing to contribute to the solution?What can you
do to improve connectivity?What are you willing to contribute? What do you need to achieve the last mile? How can wesolutions? How can we make the business case work to build rural
fibre? Can you share with us any user complaints regarding rural internet access? Have you conducted a cost benefit analysis for building rural fibre? If yes, cainformation with us?What
are your current plans? What is your ultimate goal? Where are the gaps?
Meeting #4 Update (October 22, 2020)
–
Work Plan
–
Current Internet Providers and small providersSWIFT
F.G.
Connectivity Committee
arranged
user feedback
-
To be completed following analysis of endreceived through survey. It is anticipated that preliminary information will be presented to the Committee at Meeting #5. A meeting has been
arranged with Minister Yurek for October 23A meeting has been for with MP Vecchio for November 12.
S
SOLUTION WirelessPoint to point access HOW Director of Finance to report back with options and opportunities.Warden, Chairman and CAO to meet with MPP Yurek. Timeline: October 2020Warden,
Chairman, and CAO to meet with MP Vecchio.
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are your timelines?
What are the challenges? Where are you going, and how can we help? What HOW?End User Survey/Existing Data CONTACT Director of Financial ServicesMPPMP
Meeting #4 Update (October 22, 2020)
–
Infrastructure Ontario
-
Work Plan
–
Loans
WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW?Where are the problem areas?What are the potential solutions?FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES CountyProvincial GovernmentFederal Government
Term
-
Identify ShortSolutions Explore Funding Opportunities
Connectivity Committee
OngoingOngoing
It is anticipated that preliminary information will be presented to the Committee at Meeting #5. It is anticipated that preliminary information will be presented to the Committee at
Meeting #5.
Finance to
)
Timeline: October 2020Staff to provide an overview of program and available fundingDirector of report back with options and opportunities.
(communication)
ublic procurement process etc.
(p
expectations
solution for connectivity challenges.
take time
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(staff/COVID)
What is missing?
Capacity
Committee, public, and stakeholder
The role of the County is to support the Committee (staff).
Meeting #4 Update (October 22, 2020)
–
anaging
M
Seek County Council support for a Made in Elgin
Required processes and Council consent may
Work Plan
–
CRTCCanada Infrastructure Bank
Identify the Role of the CountyRisks
Connectivity Committee
1
Internet Connectivity Survey (Public)
Communications Plan
th
The goal of this plan is to have the Survey finalized and live on the County’s website on October 15 and
th
delivered to Local Municipal Partners and libraries by Friday October 16.
Next Steps Timeline Notes
Incorporate Committee Feedback into draft October 12, 2020Al has incorporated
surveyfeedback as received
by the Committee into
a new survey link. The
link has been sent to
Julie and Carolyn for
comment.
Get Brian Masschaele’sfeedback October 13, 2020Brian’s feedback has
regarding MFIPPA concerns been incorporated.
Create a paper version of the Survey October 13, 2020Katherine/Carolyn
Upload Survey to October 15, 2020Katherine has edited
www.elgincounty.ca/connectivitycommitteethe Connectivity
Committee section on
the website and
created a spot for the
Survey to be uploaded
Draft media release promoting the survey October 14Katherine to draft
and the Committee’s mandate. Get Chair’sreleaseand send after
approval. Sent to media contacts. approval of Julie and
Chair.
Design Newspaper and Facebookads October 9 –14.Carolyn has
using canva. completed drafts of
these ads.
Book two weeks of advertising in the Book for weeks of Carolyn
Aylmer Express, Port Stanley Villager and October 19-24 and
West Elgin ChronicleOctober 26-31
Design and print inserts promoting the October 13-14Carolyn
survey link for inclusion in library curbside
orders.
Send paper copies of the Survey to October 14 or 15To correspond with the
Libraries along with the insertsfor delivery van. Carolyn
inclusion in orders. to coordinate.
Investigate mass mailing costs and options October 15 any Katherine to
through Canada post. beyondinvestigate with
assistance from
Economic
Development (this has
been explored before
and Jessica Silcox
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2
may have the
information already
available)
Review Survey Progress and number of October 28October 28 is two
completed surveys weeks into the three
week period of the
survey. Reviewing the
participation rate will
allow us to know if we
need to take action to
get more responses.
Explore enhanced advertising and October 28 and
distribution as needed beyond.
Electronic Distribution Methods:
Email requesting distribution to mailing listand contacts
o EFA
o Tourism Members and Economic Development Contacts
o Aylmer Chamber
o St. Thomas Chamber
o Port Stanley BIA
o Local Municipal Partners (electronic mailing lists?)
o County Councillors
Social Media Accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Tourism Instagram)
Website
Paper Distribution
Local Municipal Partner Offices
Library branches
County of Elgin Administration Building
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1
Current Internet Service Provider Survey
1.Do you provide internet service in Elgin County? (Yes or No)
2.If No, Why Not? (Text Box)
3.If yes, which municipalities do you provide service in? Check all that apply.
a.Municipality of Bayham
b.Township of Malahide
c. Town of Aylmer
d.Municipality of Central Elgin
e.Municipality of Dutton Dunwich
f.Township of Southwold
g.Municipality of West Elgin
4.What type of service do you provide? Check all that apply.
a.Fiber
b.DSL
c. Wireless
d.Satellite
e.Cellular
5.If you provide wireless services, does the wireless equipment use licenses or unlicensed
spectrum?
(unlicensed spectrum or licenses)
6.What are the barriers that exist to providing service?
a.Cost of installing infrastructure
b.Access to funding
c. Trees and physical obstacles
d.Low population density
e.Other
If other please specify: (text box)
7.What would help to remove these barriers? (text box)
8.Have you applied for government funding for a broadband project? If you have not
applied why?(Text Box)
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9.What do you need to achieve the last mile?(Text Box)
10.How can we work together to implement solutions?(Text Box)
11.How can we make the business case work to build rural fibre?(Text Box)
12.What are the most common customercomplaints regarding rural internet access?(text
box)
13.What are you willing to contribute? Check all that apply.
a.Technical expertise
b.Become a member on the committee
c. Participate in a connectivity forum
d.Connectivity infrastructure
e.Other
If other please specify: (text box)
14.Have you conducted a cost benefit analysis for building rural fibre? If yes, can you share
that information with us?(text box)
15. Would you be willing to participate in a connectivity forum to assist in finding a solution
to rural connectivity challenge in Elgin County? (yes or no)
16.Would you be willing to meet with the Connectivity Committee Chair, Warden and CAO
to further discuss opportunities for partnerships in Elgin County?
17.If you are willing to engage in further dialog with the County of Elgin please provide an
email address where the County can contact a representative of your organization (Text
box).
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