Monday, March 16, 2026
The government of British Columbia is investing up to $24 million in a new subsea fibre-optic project to bring improved connectivity to the Haida Gwaii region of the province.
The investment will be through the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) and is meant to “enhance network capacity, improve service stability and ensure residents, First Nations and local businesses have access to high-speed internet.,” a B.C. government release said.
“Reliable connectivity is essential to the economic and social prosperity of communities across Haida Gwaii. Through partnerships with the Council of the Haida Nation, GwaiiTel and NDIT, the Province is advancing resilient, dependable internet services that support community needs now and into the future,” provincial minister of citizens’ services Diana Gibson said.
“Since 2006, GwaiiTel has provided the people of Haida Gwaii with reliable fibre- optic connection between communities to support services for businesses, health care, emergency services, education and maintain important social ties to family and friends. This investment strengthens our partnership between the Haida Nation and all island communities and ensures that this critical infrastructure is 100% owned by the people of Haida Gwaii. This additional connection to the mainland will ensure our communities have stable access to reliable, high-speed internet,” Haida Naton president Gaagwiis Jason Alsop said.
The subsea fibre-optic cable will deliver a dedicated, high-capacity connection between Haida Gwaii and the mainland northern coast, the release said, with construction set to begin in spring 2026.
“It represents a step toward more reliable, resilient connectivity on Haida Gwaii, where geography and weather create distinct infrastructure challenges,” the release said.
GwaiiTel is jointly owned by the Haida Nation and local government partners.
