December 16, 2004 Wolfville, Nova Scotia The Annapolis Valley and Halifax may be working more closely together soon, thanks to a fibre network study being undertaken by Acadia University. The detailed engineering study will determine the cost and routing of a high speed community fibre network between Halifax and Middleton, which would enhance business, education and research opportunities in the Valley by bringing it closer to the Halifax hub. "A community fibre network would be an opportunity for the Annapolis Valley to increase its participation in the 21st century economy," said the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services of Canada and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, announcing the funding on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of ACOA. "The number of partners on this project suggests strong support within the community for this initiative." "To see this network moving a step closer to reality is very encouraging for Valley residents," said the Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Member of Parliament for West Nova. "This is the kind of investment that reaffirms the Government of Canada's commitment to our rural communities." "Acadia is pleased to be part of an initiative that brings together so many of its community partners into a single venture," said Dr. Gail Dinter-Gottlieb, Acadia's president and vice-chancellor. "This type of investment is an important enabler for economic, cultural and social development outside urban areas already well-served by high- speed networks." The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is investing $39,093 in the study, which is supported by a broad network of community partners including governments and other local organizations. For broadcast use: ACOA is investing $39,000 in an Acadia University study that will examine the possibility of a high speed community fibre network between Middleton and Halifax. The study will focus on the cost and routing of the network, which would bring the Annapolis Valley closer to business, education and research opportunities in Halifax. Public Works Minister Scott Brison called the network "an opportunity for the Annapolis Valley to increase its participation in the 21st century economy," and West Nova M.P. Robert Thibault said the investment reaffirmed the government's commitment to rural communities. Acadia President Gail Dinter-Gottlieb called the investment an important enabler for development outside urban areas. - 30 - Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 David Harrigan Media Relations Officer ACOA (Nova Scotia) (902) 426-4238 Scott Roberts Director, Public Relations Acadia University (902) 585-1705
