On Nov. 27, there will be a referendum for the proposed Hornby and Denman Islands high-speed internet initiative.
鈥淭he proposed new service would enable high speed internet in homes and businesses on both Hornby and Denman Islands. This is something I have heard many community members ask for over the past several years,鈥� said Comox Valley Regional District Electoral Area A director Daniel Arbour. 鈥淭he cost for this service would be approximately $40 per year for a period of 10 years for a property assessed at $500,000. After 10 years it will drop to $0, and you will still be receiving the City West services you signed up for including phone, cable and internet.鈥�
Total project costs are estimated at approximately $7.6 million with 90 per cent being covered by grants. A community contribution of 10 per cent or $760,000 is required as part of the grant funding criteria.
In order to establish the service, qualified electors will be voting on the following question:
鈥淎re you in favour of the CVRD adopting Denman and Hornby Islands High-Speed Internet Contribution Service Establishment Bylaw No. 672, 2021, Denman and Hornby Islands High-Speed Internet Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 673, 2021, and Denman and Hornby Islands High-Speed Internet Capital Contribution Agreement Authorization Bylaw No. 678 to authorize the following:
鈥stablish and operate a service for providing capital financing for high-speed internet infrastructure;
鈥orrow $767,677 to be repaid over a maximum 10-year period to finance the development of the high-speed internet infrastructure; and
鈥nter into a 20-year agreement with City West Cable and Telephone Corp. to provide up to $760,000 in capital financing for the development of the high-speed internet service infrastructure?鈥�
There is no need to pre-register to vote, as the registration of all electors for this assent vote takes place at the time of voting.
Electors may vote by mail and can request a mail ballot package by filling out an online form or by contacting Legislative Services at elections@comoxvalleyrd.ca or 250-334-6000. Mail ballot applications will be received up until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 25.
Advance voting is Nov. 17 at 770 Harmston Ave., Courtenay from 8 am - 8 pm. Special voting is Nov. 24, Denman Island Seniors Centre, 1111 NW Road, 9 a.m. - noon, and Hornby Island Community Hall, 4305 Central Road, 2 - 5 p.m.
General voting is Nov. 27, Denman Island Seniors Centre, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., and New Horizons Seniors Hall, 1765 Sollans Road, Hornby Island, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
FMI: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/islandsinternet
