Monday September 22, 2025 | OTTER POINT, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Citizens’ Services Minister Diana Gibson was out in the Juan de Fuca area of Vancouver Island on September 12 to hear first hand about community issues in the region.
The day included meeting community leaders in Port Renfrew (including with the local Chamber of Commerce) and then in Otter Point (including with members of OPSRA – the Otter Point and Shirley Ratepayers Association).
Gibson was accompanied by local MLA Dana Lajeunesse (Juan de Fuca-Malahat) and Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Director Al Wickheim.
Gibson as the minister:
Diana Gibson is now is leading BC’s focus on Citizens’ Services, getting things running fast again after the down-time of last year’s election and reshuffling of cabinet.
Her former ministry was Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
Gibson is the MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2024, Diana was the Executive Director of the Greater Victoria Community Social Planning Council, where she helped found multiple regional services and programs, including the Greater Victoria Rent Bank.
Internet to over 750 households:
Her key announcement was the delivery of high-speed Internet for about 750 households in rural Vancouver Island and Gulf Island communities.
The communities benefitting from new last-mile fibre and transport infrastructure include 129 households on Piers Island, 125 households in rural area of Texada Island and 500 households in Jordan River, Port Renfrew and the Pacheedaht First Nation communities of Gordon River 2 and Pacheena 1.
The Province is investing $4.2 million through the Connecting Communities BC program which is administered by the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.
The federal government is investing up to $3.5 million through the Universal Broadband Fund and CityWest will contribute about $475,116 for the projects in Texada and Piers island.
TELUS will contribute $655,922 toward the project which benefits Jordan River, Port Renfrew and Pacheedaht First Nation. This will facilitate the delivery of tele-health services to people in those areas.
The First Nation Health Authority will also contribute $664,284 toward the project in Pacheedaht First Nation.
Shifting to fibre from satellite:
This installation of high-speed internet delivered by fibre is part of ensuring more reliable service. Many people in these regions have been using Starlink satellite services.
While the technological stability improvement is key, this shift also facilitates a shift away from services provided by the US-owned Starlink service.
There have been gaps in service up along the coast and those will be filled in.
Emergency support:
Having more reliable connectivity will assist with the delivery of emergency alerts or advisories about road conditions.
Enhancing rural and remote:
Improved connectivity will allow for the advantages of tele-health, distance learning, business functionality, and family online time.
Allowing for tele-work can reduce on-road travel time for business operators. MLA Lajeuenesse says there are a lot of remote tele-work businesses in the Juan de Fuca area.
Visitors who go to Port Renfrew for fishing or to other areas of Juan de Fuca for hiking and getaways will now have more reliable internet connections. For some communities in Juan de Fuca the only economic opportunity is tourism and hospitality.
Meeting in person:
Travelling around the province to visit with communities is enjoyable for Minister Gibson. She appreciates hearing community feedback in person with people who are leaders in their local communities.
Connecting Commuinty BC Program:
She highlights the continuing commitment of the BC government to delivering connectivity services to all British Columbia communities through the Connecting Community BC Program which is also supported federally.
Intake 6 is now open until October 15, 2025. To submit an application, or to enquire about connectivity projects in your area, please email connectingcommunitiesbc@gov.bc.ca.
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NEWS SECTIONS: 43rd PARLIAMENT of BC | DIGITAL TECH | JUAN DE FUCA AREA