Wednesday, June 24, 2026
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Valley Fiber Ltd. (Valley Fiber) have formalized their agreement to expand high-speed internet service in rural Manitoba.
Under the terms of the agreement, the CIB will loan $26.9 million towards the approximately $165 million project. Valley Fiber will be responsible for all aspects of construction, installation, operations and maintenance of the new broadband service.
“The CIB’s loan towards this broadband project will help close the connectivity gap in rural communities and First Nations across Manitoba. Through our partnership with Valley Fiber, we are supporting ways to increase connectivity and helping communities participate fully in Canada’s digital economy,” said Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.
The project involves deployment of 1,224 km of fibre-optic cable, allowing high-speed internet access to approximately 7,800 underserved households with dedicated fibre-to-the-home in rural municipalities, including four First Nations communities.
“High-speed internet is critical infrastructure that helps communities grow and thrive. Through this partnership with Valley Fiber and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, more rural, remote and Indigenous communities in Manitoba will gain access to reliable broadband connectivity. Investments like this help close infrastructure gaps, create new opportunities and ensure Canadians can stay connected no matter where they live,” said Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and MP for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski.
Due to the low population density and current lack of broadband infrastructure in rural areas, the cost of connection per household is very high. The CIB’s financing rates allow broadband connectivity to expand in unserved and underserved communities at a quicker pace at more affordable rates to Indigenous and rural customers.
The project will include last-mile infrastructure with underground fibre cables and networking equipment. The service will offer broadband speeds up to one gigabit per second, enhancing telecommunications services for residents, businesses and public service delivery.
During the construction phase, up to 800 jobs will be created within Valley Fiber. This investment partnership represents the second collaboration between the CIB and Valley Fiber to expand internet service in rural and remote Manitoba.
“Valley Fiber was borne from the need for a made-in-Manitoba solution for high-speed internet connectivity in underserved areas of our province. Our business, and the hundreds of rural Manitobans we employ and contract, are a testament to what can happen when more people have access to reliable high-speed internet. It creates and sustains jobs, it boosts economies, and it improves quality of life. We are proud to expand our fibre-optic network to more Manitobans,” said Ryan Klassen, CEO, Valley Fiber.
Featured image: CIB and partners to invest $165 million to expand broadband service in Manitoba (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank)
