Thousands of rural and northern Manitoba households are set to gain access to high-speed internet through a major infrastructure partnership involving the federal and provincial governments, municipalities, First Nations and Manitoba-based telecommunications provider Valley Fiber.
Announced Tuesday in Fisher River Cree Nation, the multi-year project will expand broadband access to more than 10,000 underserved homes across the province. The initiative combines private investment from Valley Fiber with support from the federal Universal Broadband Fund, the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand said reliable internet service has become essential for everyday life, education and economic development.
“Reliable high-speed internet is foundational to quality of life and economic opportunity,” Chartrand said, noting the project aligns with Canada’s goal of providing universal access to high-speed internet by 2030.
The expansion carries a total price tag of approximately $157 million. A key component of the project is a partnership between Valley Fiber, Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba government that will allow the telecommunications company to use previously underutilized capacity on Manitoba Hydro’s fibre optic network for up to 20 years.
Provincial Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz said northern communities have waited too long for the same level of connectivity enjoyed in other parts of Manitoba.
The province says the use of Manitoba Hydro’s existing fibre infrastructure will help connect or improve service for more than 3,500 households in 11 northern communities without increasing costs for Hydro ratepayers.
Valley Fiber CEO Ryan Klassen said the company began by serving a small number of farms that lacked reliable internet access, but the mission has grown into a provincewide effort to improve connectivity.
Community leaders say the benefits extend well beyond faster internet speeds.
Fisher River Cree Nation Chief David Crate said improved broadband service will help students with their education, allow elders to stay connected with family and improve access to health-care services. He added it will also create new opportunities for Indigenous businesses to connect with customers and markets beyond their communities.
Valley Fiber currently provides fibre and fixed wireless internet service to tens of thousands of Manitobans in more than 200 communities and says the new expansion will further strengthen connectivity across rural and northern Manitoba.
The 2026 build areas include:
- Ambroise / St. Ambroise
- Balmoral
- Clandeboye
- Emesville
- Lake Francis
- Libau
- Lilyfield
- Winnipeg West
- Grindstone
- Buffalo Point
- Fisher Bay
- Nopiming area communities
- Fisher River Cree Nation
