Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation hopes to begin connecting to the fibre-optic backbone in the Slocan Valley, bringing the area one step closer to high-speed internet access.
CBBC would like to build out from the existing underground fibre-optic cable – buried along the Slocan Valley Rail Trail – to install points-of-presence (POPs). POPs are where internet users connect to their service providers, or other networks.
Work is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with an estimated completion date in the fourth quarter of 2026.
CBBC made an application to the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Kootenay Boundary Region, requesting permission to complete the work. The ministry welcomes comments from the public until April 24.
Work will include installing conduits and new service boxes. The conduits will house the fibres that connect the backbone to Fortis BC or Telus poles, or existing CBBC service boxes.
The work will happen at eight sites along the cable: Appledale, Lebahdo, two in Slocan Park, two at Lemon Creek, and two in Vallican.
Installing the conduits and service boxes will require excavation and plowing and will be followed by ground remediation once construction is complete.
CBBC would also like to install a new driveway with a culvert, adjacent to Highway 6 at the Slocan Park location. This provides safe parking for CBBC workers to access service boxes year-round. Work would include levelling and placing gravel. CBBC already received approval to place a POP here, but still needs permission from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to create the driveway.
The corporation retained Nupqu Resource Ltd., a Ktunaxa-owned natural resource consultation firm, to manage consultation with the Ktunaxa and Shuswap First Nations. It also retained Masse Environmental. Masse will create a detailed environmental plan prior to any ground disturbing activities, and will ensure CBBC complies with regulations and permit requirements.
CBBC will also work with the Slocan Valley Rail Trail Society. The project will not result in any changes to public access.
The ministry invites comments on the application until April 24. Written comments can be directed to Sr. Authorization Specialist, Kootenay Boundary Region, at 1902 Theatre Rd., Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 7G3.
For more information, visit comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca.
