TIID, Islands Trust, & TIRRA: Fibre Optics Opportunity

Regardless of the intent of TICEEC in their communication to all Place Speak members, we are saddened that their approach feels divisive.

We should have one common goal: to bring better internet connectivity and efficacy to 100% of residents and businesses who desire fibre optics as a solution, with no taxation or cost implications to Thetis Island. If this baseline can be agreed as the desired end goal, then every funding proposal meeting this goal should be fully explored. 

There is no commitment or obligation attached to the City West/SRD proposal. They are moving ahead to seek a 100% funded project. If the necessary federal government funding is approved, then we are morally and democratically required to engage the entire community. No contract will be entered into without full disclosure and concurrence to proceed. Concurrence involves instructing the CVRD to proceed, which can be facilitated via a petition of residents and businesses. Only with approval to proceed, by the community, will the CVRD expedite the creation of a contract. 

Since there is no current commitment from the federal government to reopen funding for internet at a later date, we believe our Community will be better positioned if we have a proposal in the system, regardless of whether all the intimate details are fully understood.

There is no current proposal from Telus being submitted for this particular funding opportunity. Making comparisons about the Telus vs. City West/SRD seems a moot point when considering our options today.

The 3 Thetis Island government groups, (TIRRA, TI, TIID) issued letters of support that were not specific to a CW/SRD, but rather to any fully funded fibre optics proposal.

Please engage with any and all community partners to discuss and inform.

Collaboration is the most important tool we have. 

Wendy Hinsperger, TIRRA

Bill Dickie, TIID

Peter Luckham, IT