Columbia Basin Trust Transfers Broadband Network to CityWest

Columbia Basin Trust has announced the sale of its broadband network to CityWest, a telecommunications provider owned by the City of Prince Rupert. This strategic move will transfer the management of high-speed internet services in the Kootenays to CityWest later this year, with the full transaction involving the Trust’s Connect the Basin assets expected to conclude by 2027.

In a statement issued on February 4, Trust president Johnny Strilaeff outlined the organization’s long-standing commitment to providing reliable high-speed internet to underserved communities in the region. “From the outset, the Trust’s goal was to put in place the infrastructure needed to bring service to as many Basin residents as possible who lacked reliable high-speed internet,” Strilaeff said. He emphasized that the completion of the Connect the Basin project will significantly fulfill this objective.

CityWest, a company with over a century of experience in telecommunications, will now oversee an expanded network aimed at enhancing service delivery. The firm has a strong presence in rural British Columbia and has recently announced its plans to extend services to northern Vancouver Island.

The Connect the Basin initiative represents a significant investment of $82 million, funded through a collaboration of federal, provincial, and regional district resources. This program aims to deliver high-speed internet access to more than 5,400 homes across 59 rural communities. In December, Columbia Basin Trust revealed plans to broaden this initiative to include an additional 2,650 households in areas such as Valemount, Nakusp, and New Denver, supported by a $17 million investment from the provincial government. This expansion is projected to be completed by spring 2027.

In response to the announcement, Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest, praised the Trust’s efforts and vision. “Columbia Basin Trust’s vision, leadership, and commitment have fundamentally changed what connectivity looks like across the Basin,” he stated. Woloszyn expressed CityWest’s dedication to continuing this important work and ensuring that communities benefit from high-quality connectivity well into the future.

Despite the significance of this sale, Columbia Basin Trust did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. The Nelson Star has sought clarification regarding the sale price.

This transaction marks a pivotal moment for broadband services in the Kootenays, as it aims to enhance connectivity for residents and support ongoing developments in rural internet infrastructure.