Durham Region Completes Project Genesis Broadband Initiative

The Regional Municipality of Durham has announced the completion of Project Genesis, a broadband initiative under Durham OneNet. This project, involving both public and private sectors, was funded by federal, provincial, and regional sources. Project Genesis aims to establish broadband infrastructure to connect underserved communities and enhance regional services across Durham Region.

Over 99 percent of the underground fibre optic infrastructure has been constructed, allowing more than 1,800 rural homes, businesses, farms, and municipal sites to access fibre-based broadband and high-speed internet through Vianet, the project partner. This development addresses the service and cost gap faced by rural communities.

The project was completed ahead of the timelines set by the federal Universal Broadband Fund and the provincial Improving Connectivity for Ontario program. It covers nearly 30 percent more premises than initially planned. The project benefits communities including Ashburn, Uxbridge, Leaskdale, Sunderland, Greenbank, Manchester, Myrtle, Columbus, Raglan, and Courtice, with service available to over 90 percent of these locations. The remaining areas are expected to be connected by the end of winter 2025.