Construction underway to connect 11,000 rural homes and businesses
Northumberland County is proud to announce that construction of a transformative new broadband network connecting 11,000 homes and businesses across rural Northumberland is officially underway.
Northumberland’s varied landscape has historically made access to reliable high-speed internet a challenge. That is now changing.
With agreements finalized between Northumberland County, the federal and provincial governments, and private sector partner Windsor Private Capital, construction has begun to build this critical infrastructure. This project will close the digital divide in our community, ensuring every municipality, along with Alderville First Nation, has the connectivity needed for work, education, healthcare, and more.
High-speed internet is now taking root, with crews steadily installing fibre optic lines and completing the first property connections. Construction will continue throughout 2025, expanding across the county in stages, and bringing reliable, high-speed internet access to homes, farms, and businesses across the region.
This project addresses a significant infrastructure gap, with approximately one-third of Northumberland households currently either unserved or underserved by high-speed internet. Originally announced in 2022 with a $26.6 million investment from the province and an $18.4 million from the federal government through the Universal Broadband Fund, the provincial contribution has since increased to $45.8 million, bringing the combined federal and provincial contribution to $64.2 million. Northumberland County has also committed $700,000 towards this vital initiative.
The network is being constructed by Axle Telecom, a Canadian-owned portfolio company of Windsor Private Capital with extensive experience delivering broadband solutions to rural communities. Fibre installation is taking place primarily within the existing municipal road allowances, using underground techniques where possible and aerial installation only when necessary. Methods such as directional drilling and plowing are being used to minimize impacts on the environment and existing infrastructure.
All disturbed areas will be restored once construction is complete.
As construction progresses over the coming year, Axle Telecom will contact homeowners and businesses to seek consent for a voluntary, no-cost fibre connection from the roadside network directly to each property. Connecting to the network will provide residents and businesses with the ability to then sign-up for high-speed internet services, supporting needs such as online education, healthcare, agriculture, remote work, and digital business operations.
The first phase of construction is underway in the municipalities of Port Hope and Trent Hills. As each area is completed and network testing is finalized, residents and businesses who have connected to the network will be able to subscribe to service plans offered by Axle Telecom.
For an overview and background information on the project residents are encouraged to visit Northumberland.ca/Broadband.
To learn more about internet connection plan options, residents and businesses are encouraged to contact Axle Telecom at 1-844-702-2848 or visit Axletelecom.ca.
Quotes
“This project will be a game-changer for people in Northumberland County. Reliable high-speed Internet means safer communities and better access to health care, education, and emergency services. Through these investments, your federal government is making sure no one is left behind—no matter where they live in Canada.” ~ The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development
“Fast, reliable internet access will make a real difference for the over 11,000 families and workers across Northumberland who are getting connected. It means being able to work, study, access vital services, and participate more fully in today’s digital world—no matter where you live. I want to thank the dedicated local crews on the ground helping make this long-awaited project a reality.” ~ The Honourable Sam Oosterhoff, Ontario Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries
“High-speed internet is essential for rural communities across Ontario, which is why it is a top priority for our government. This local project will connect over 11,000 homes and businesses to the reliable internet service they need to thrive. This will make a lasting impact on education, healthcare, and provide local businesses with an essential tool to grow.” ~ The Honourable David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South
“This partnership represents years of planning and collaboration to bring high-speed internet to every corner of Northumberland. We are now moving quickly into the construction phase, ensuring that no community is left behind. On behalf of County Council, I thank the federal and provincial governments for this significant investment in future-proofing our county, and I commend our staff for their dedication in making this project a reality.” ~ Brian Ostrander, Warden, Northumberland County
“Investing in infrastructure that strengthens communities is at the core of our work. Windsor Private Capital is proud to support this important broadband expansion in Northumberland County, which will provide thousands of previously unserved homes and businesses with reliable, high-speed internet. Better connectivity means more opportunities for local businesses, improved access to services, and a stronger foundation for future growth. This investment deepens our commitment to the telecommunications sector and to building a more connected Ontario.
Through this partnership, Axle Telecom will bring its expertise in rural broadband to deliver a reliable, high-speed network that meets the needs of residents and businesses. The construction of this network will also create local jobs for tradespeople and service providers, including members of LiUNA Local 183, who will play a critical role in bringing this long-awaited infrastructure to life. Their expertise and dedication will help ensure a high-quality, long-lasting network that will serve Northumberland County for years to come.
We look forward to working with the community as we build a stronger, more connected future together.” ~ Marco Di Carlantonio, Senior Vice President, Windsor Private Capital
Quick Facts
About Windsor Private Capital
Windsor Private Capital is a Toronto-based investment firm with a breadth of experience in a wide range of industry sectors. Together with its affiliates, the organization advises and manages over $2 billion on behalf of institutional and private investors. Most recently, Windsor Private Capital expanded the WPC Infrastructure Fund through investment in EH!tel Networks, Bruce Telecom, GBTel, Axle Telecom and the Northumberland Broadband Initiative on behalf of LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada, one of the country’s largest private sector union sponsored pension funds. This has further deepened Windsor Private Capital’s commitment to Ontario and the telecommunications industry. Underpinned by its core values of loyalty, trust, integrity, creativity and teamwork, Windsor Private Capital is a reflection of its family roots and the belief in going beyond the transactional to build business connections that endure. For more information, visit www.windsorgp.com.
About Axle Telecom
Axle Telecom (Axle) is a Canadian-owned telecommunications company dedicated to connecting small, underserved, rural communities. Axle is part of a family of local telecom networks that includes EH!tel Networks, Bruce Telecom, GBTel and Axle Telecom. Together, they bring reliable, affordable, high-speed internet services to homes and businesses in unserved and underserved areas of Ontario including Northumberland, Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, Southgate, Wellington, and Middlesex counties. For more information, visit: www.axletelecom.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
