Community Enhancement Program — Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects

This grant provides financial support for broadband and cellular expansion projects through conditional contributions. The funding is structured to cover a significant portion of eligible costs while ensuring affordability and coverage objectives are met.

• Funding covers 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $1 million per project.
• Targeted funding amounts to an average of $500 per dwelling within the coverage area, which may be exceeded in certain areas to meet speed requirements.
• Increased funding consideration of up to $1,500 per dwelling for projects delivering 50 mbps or greater.
• The maximum funding from all government sources must not exceed 90%.
• Funding is conditional and requires compliance with all outlined program requirements and objectives.

Eligibility for this grant is limited to specific organizations within Northern Ontario focused on addressing broadband gaps in the region.

• The applicant must be a Municipality, municipal organization, Indigenous Community, or Community-based network (ICT community champions, not-for-profit economic development/innovation centres) in Northern Ontario.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. They include:

• For-profit companies
• Individual businesses
• Corporations not meeting eligibility criteria

Eligible expenses

The eligible projects under this grant aim to improve internet and mobile connectivity in underserved regions of Northern Ontario. The focus is on enhancing broadband speeds and extending cellular coverage to improve access for these communities.

• Projects that improve broadband and cellular coverage in areas with broadband speeds less than 25 mbps.
• Projects ensuring a minimum of 25 mbps to consumers, matching the urban cost structure.
• Projects that expand cellular coverage along major highways such as the Trans-Canada and King’s Highways.
• Projects targeting 50 mbps delivery speeds that are scalable to this threshold.
• Projects offering the lowest cost per customer served regarding broadband services.
• Cellular projects that enhance service areas and enable roaming on other networks.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically targeted at addressing broadband gaps in Northern Ontario. Eligible applicants must be located in this geographical region to increase connectivity for unserved or underserved areas.

• Northern Ontario.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives of improving connectivity and supporting economic development in Northern Ontario.

• Demonstrated efforts to obtain funding from other sources, such as the ICON program or other federal, municipal, or private sector funding.
• Confirmed sources of funding for the project outside of NOHFC support, indicating financial feasibility and readiness.
• Ability of the project to deliver internet speeds of 50 mbps or more, demonstrating scalability and future-proofing.
• Cost-effectiveness, evidenced by a low cost per customer served.
• Enhancements in cellular projects, such as larger coverage areas and improved roaming capabilities.
• Impact on business competitiveness through improved connectivity and increased IT usage.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The maximum amount of funding from all government sources will not exceed 90%.
• A map and identification of the property defining the project's geographic coverage must be included in the proposal.
• An overview of the network design demonstrating capacity to deliver proposed speeds must be provided in the application.