Boissevain-Morton council has hired a consultant to look at bringing high speed internet to underserved areas of the municipality.

A number of municipalities in the Westman region have been looking into the service.

Head of Council Judy Swanson isn’t sure on the timing of any upgrade, but she says it’s a project council feels should be explored because it’s important everyone has high speed internet. “We've talked with a consultant and are moving forward from there.”

“She’s going to get in touch with the people that are looking to bring high speed internet to Killarney-Turtle Mountain, so we perhaps go with them because cost wise it’s likely better to join with another municipality.”

Judy Swanson says bringing high speed internet to rural areas is something the Western Caucus of municipalities has been talking about at several meetings.

Judy Swanson notes there are a number of benefits to offering high speed internet to rural residents and businesses. “I’ve had some rural ratepayers ask for it and those were mostly the larger businesses. We found through COVID when kids were doing schoolwork from home it’s really important to have everyone connected. It’s something brought to our attention through COVID and certainly if you’re a business in the rural area it can be difficult,” said Swanson.

“I think it’s a good way to connect everyone and to encourage building and expansion in our municipality.”