Overview
Internet access – especially broadband – can be challenging to provide in many of the remote or difficult-to-access communities in the region, such as Lasqueti Island. For that reason, few of the large Internet service providers have extended their services to those regions. Since 2007, the Lasqueti Internet Access Society (LIAS), a non-profit community based group, has been providing service to residents and businesses. With the progressive increase of smartphone and tablet usage, bandwidth demand for Lasqueti clients has increased significantly, creating the need for improved internet infrastructure. However, it can be challenging for small non-profit societies with small markets to generate the necessary capital to improve internet service to meet the unique needs of remote communities.
In partnership with the Lasqueti Last Resort Society, the LIAS undertook construction of a new shared building to house their technician and equipment. The project also involved increasing bandwidth by upgrading to a E30 service, replacing existing tree mounts with metal towers, improving radio equipment, and expanding renewable energy for winter reliability.
The facility gives LIAS a permanent space from which to operate, and the improved equipment and broadband internet service to enable island residents to work from home, attract mobile workers, support business productivity, and meets the needs of younger residents and families.
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.