Participants expect Valley Community Fibre Network to be up and running in the fall

By Brent Fox

The Advertiser/NovaNewsNow.com

Businesses, institutions, public sector, and residents will soon enjoy the benefits of a ‘dark’ fibre-optic network from Halifax to Middleton.

The 250 GB/second Valley Community Fibre Network will be up and running by September, say those involved in the project.

The VCFN 2007 annual general meeting took place at Acadia University, Wednesday afternoon, June 13.

The project is a community-owned and operated network that proceeds from Dalhousie University in Halifax, along Highway 1 to the Middleton campus of Nova Scotia Community College.

It is seen as an opportunity for economic development and as a special community infrastructure, connecting otherwise un-serviced rural area and enhancing education and research potential.

VCFN chair Madonna Spinazola said at the session that the project will facilitate economic and social development in the Valley. “There will be a level the playing field when the infrastructure is in place.”

Spinazola said that strategic alliances will begin among users, increasing awareness and innovation. And it will allow customers access to the network.

“The backbone will remove significant barriers to economic and social growth,” Spinazola said. There will be new opportunities and solutions available. It will attract industry.

She noted that institutions will benefit from increased research capabilities.

Kings CED executive director Erin Beaudin, who is the VCFN project implementation leader, said that about 37 per cent of the line has been laid so far.

She noted that there have been challenges in getting the project up and going, but “we’ve come a long way in a year… It’s certainly been a large growing curve.”

Skilled about shortages have impacted the project, she acknowledged.

Beaudin said, “we have a real asset here.” And it’s added to the fact that every Nova Scotian will have broad-band available by 2009.

Jennifer Taylor is the business development staff member and is creating a customer base prior to the system becoming operational in September. She said that her job also includes widening awareness of the project.

“Behind the scenes a lot of things are going on,” Taylor said. “We’re looking internationally at a number of scenarios.”

First Communications began constructing the network in late April. Aliant and NSPI did make-ready work along the route.

Project funding is through the local municipal and educational partners and ACOA, the Nova Scotia Economic Development Office and CANARIE.

CANARIE is a non-profit Internet development corporation supported by members, partners and the federal government.

The 2007 budget for the project includes expenditures of $1,162,157.

The meeting returned Spinazola as 2007-8 chair. Don Clarke became vice chair, while Bill McKenna became secretary/treasurer.