Friday June 26, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC [Posted at 10:34 am PT]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Fibre internet infrastructure is coming to Galiano and Saturna Islands.
Those are two islands among the several Gulf Islands located off the shores of the east side of Vancouver Island.
The Capital Regional District (CRD), in partnership with CityWest, a BC-owned and operated telecommunications provider has announced the start of a partnership to deliver the fibre internet service to those remote island areas of the region.
“The project will bring last mile high-speed service connections to residents and businesses through the Connected Coast sub-sea fibre optic network while helping ensure long-term economic benefits remain within the Southern Gulf Islands,” said CRD in a news release on June 25.
What is fibre Internet:
Fibre internet technology transmits data as pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic. It delivers vastly faster symmetrical speeds, near-zero latency, and unparalleled reliability compared to traditional copper cables, making it highly resistant to electromagnetic interference and environmental degradation.
Construction begins June 2026:
CityWest will lead construction and infrastructure delivery, drawing on its extensive experience expanding broadband services in rural, remote, and island communities across British Columbia.
On Galiano Island, approximately 50 businesses and 1,049 homes are eligible for service, while approximately 20 businesses and 598 homes are eligible on Saturna Island.
Construction activities are scheduled to begin on Galiano Island in June and July 2026, with work on Saturna Island planned for this fall.
As construction moves forward, residents and businesses are encouraged to connect with CityWest directly. Express interest in service and stay informed on project updates by visiting CityWest.ca/dropping-in.
Provincial and federal funding:
- Through funding from the Province of British Columbia’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, the CRD secured $495,000 to support fibre infrastructure expansion in the Southern Gulf Islands in partnership with CityWest.
- The project is also supported by $5.27 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Universal Broadband Fund. The project will help support remote work, education, local businesses, and public safety in island communities.
Internet as a basic service:
“High-speed Internet isn’t a luxury; it’s essential and foundational infrastructure. For rural and remote areas in BC, having a reliable connection levels the playing field and can make all the difference in being able to access vital virtual health care, work online or just keep in touch with loved ones,” said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development.
“That’s why the Government of Canada is committed to providing access to high-speed Internet to 100% of Canadian households by 2030. As part of this effort, we are proud to support efforts to improve connectivity for communities on Galiano and Saturna Islands,” said the federal rural development secretary.
Unique partnership model:
CRD says that this partnership “represents a unique model of communities investing back into communities”.
Under the agreement, the CRD will receive a portion of CityWest’s annual profit over a 30-year period. These funds will be directed toward economic development initiatives in the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area through the Southern Gulf Islands Community Economic Sustainability Service.
“This partnership reflects what can happen when organizations work together to prioritize long-term community benefit alongside infrastructure investment,” said Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest. “We’re proud to support expanded connectivity in the Southern Gulf Islands while helping create sustainable economic value for the region.”
Essential infrastructure:
“High-speed internet is essential infrastructure for island communities that underpins economic development, public safety, and quality of life in our communities,” says Paul Brent, CRD Electoral Area Director for the Southern Gulf Islands.
“Having a fibre backbone across the islands open to other internet providers will enhance the competitive environment and ensure that this government-supported infrastructure is affordable,” said Brent.
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NEWS SECTIONS: INFRASTRUCTURE | INTERNET & WEB ACCESS | DIGITAL TECH | GREATER VICTORIA / CRD