Tag: Alberta

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Mobile Syrup

Canada’s UBF provides $41 million in funding for internet projects in Alberta

Image credit: Shutterstock

The Canadian government announced 21 more projects funded by the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF).

Located throughout rural Alberta, the 21 projects will receive a combined $21 million in funding that will help bring high-speed internet to 2,676 households.

Canada’s UBF backs projects to expand high-speed internet to underserved regions. The government considers high-speed internet to be service with download speeds of at least 50Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10Mbps. Further, the government aims to make sure 98 percent of Canadians have access to high-speed internet by 2026.

The new projects in Alberta are detailed below:

  • ATG Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership received:
    • $2,668,118 in funding for Sunchild First Nation.
    • $3,496,100 in funding for O’Chiese.
    • $1,504,661 in funding for Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, Fort McMurray #468.
    • $4,336,078 in funding for Peavine Metis Settlement.
    • $1,311,220 in funding for Duncan’s First Nation.
    • $2,835,569 in funding for Driftpile Cree Nation.
    • $3,704,500 in funding for Spitnow.
    • $794,729 in funding for Bigstone Cree (Jean Baptiste Gambler No.183).
    • $2,890,251 in funding for Montana.
    • $51,240 in funding for Zama City.
  • Accelerate Communications received:
    • $1,737,572 in funding for Bushe River.
    • $1,692,369 in funding for Meander River.
  • Beaver Lake Cree Nation received $2,566,832 in funding for itself.
  • Canadasurfs High Speed Internet received $307,547 in funding for Alberta Beach, Sunset Point, Yellowstone, Val Quentin and rural areas near the Hamlet of Gunn.
  • GPNetworks received $609,430 in funding for Bezanson, Rio Bend Estates.
  • Mighty Peace Wireless received $521,990 in funding for Bluesky, Whitelaw.
  • Missing Link Internet received $388,520 in funding for Sunbreaker Cove, Kayton Estates of Red Deer County.
  • QFLAN Systems Group Inc. received $1,257,739 in funding for Mikisew Cree.
  • Stoney Tribal Administration, operating as Stoney Nakoda Telecom, received $2,884,748 in funding for Morley, Eden Valley, Benchlands, Ghost Lake Reserve lands of the Stoney Nakoda.
  • Xplornet Communications Inc. received $1,812,254 in funding for Sundre.
  • Yellowhead County received $4,525,975 in funding for rural areas in the county.

You can learn more about the funding here, or check out a map of all of Canada’s UBF projects here.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Categories
Cottage Life

Retreat to these vacation rentals with stunning mountain views

Photo courtesy of VRBO

There’s nothing quite like waking up in the morning to watch the sunrise crest over the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Banff is one of the most popular resort towns in Canada and also one of the more expensive to stay in, however, lesser-known surrounding communities such as Dead Man’s Flats and Canmore, typically offer more affordable vacation rentals. We’ve rounded up a list of accommodations between Kananaskis and Banff with stunning mountain views.

Cottage Exterior

Photo by Claire Steinmann and Michael Bussoli

The Ripley

Cottage Patio

Photo by Claire Steinmann and Michael Bussoli

The Ripley

Cottage Living Room

Photo by Claire Steinmann and Michael Bussoli

The Ripley

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by Claire Steinmann and Michael Bussoli

The Ripley

Cottage Bathroom

Photo by Claire Steinmann and Michael Bussoli

The Ripley

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by Claire Steinmann and Michael Bussoli

The Ripley

Cottage Exterior

Photo by Claire Steinmann and Michael Bussoli

The Ripley

Location: Morley, Alta.

Price: Averages $700 per night

Sleeps: 10

Bedrooms: 5

Notes: 

  • View of Banff National Park
  • Internet included
  • Laundry on site
  • Pets welcome
  • Outdoor fire pit
  • No off-road vehicles – surrounding land is protected under the Nature Conservancy of Canada

Click here to book

 

Cottage Entrance

Photo by Corinne

Chateau Elise

Cottage View

Photo by Corinne

Chateau Elise

Cottage Living Room

Photo by Corinne

Chateau Elise

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by Corinne

Chateau Elise

Cottage Dining Room

Photo by Corinne

Chateau Elise

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by Corinne

Chateau Elise

Cottage Patio

Photo by Corinne

Chateau Elise

Location: Canmore, Atla.

Price: Averages $768 per night

Sleeps: 8

Bedrooms: 4

Notes:

  • View of the Canadian Rockies
  • Internet included
  • Outdoor hot tub
  • Laundry on site
  • No pets allowed
  • 30-night minimum stay

Click here to book

 

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by Chalet Canmore

Chalet Canmore

Cottage View

Photo by Chalet Canmore

Chalet Canmore

Cottage Living Room

Photo by Chalet Canmore

Chalet Canmore

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by Chalet Canmore

Chalet Canmore

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by Chalet Canmore

Chalet Canmore

Cottage hot tub

Photo by Chalet Canmore

Chalet Canmore

Location: Canmore, Alta.

Price: Averages $256 per night

Sleeps: 6

Bedrooms: 3

Notes:

  • Complimentary Banff National Park Pass
  • View of the Canadian Rockies
  • Fireplace
  • Laundry on site
  • Hot tub closed due to COVID-19

Click here to book

 

Cottage Exterior

Photo by Your Leavetown Team

Banff Cabin

Cottage Patio

Photo by Your Leavetown Team

Banff Cabin

Cottage Living Room

Photo by Your Leavetown Team

Banff Cabin

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by Your Leavetown Team

Banff Cabin

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by Your Leavetown Team

Banff Cabin

Cottage Indoor Pool

Photo by Your Leavetown Team

Banff Cabin

Location: Banff, Atla.

Price: Averages $352 per night

Sleeps: 6

Bedrooms: 1

Notes:

  • Access to indoor pool and sauna
  • Complimentary use of Banff Roam Bus service
  • Coin-operated laundry on-site
  • Daily housekeeping
  • $25 extra charge per pet per night

Click here to book

 

Cottage Exterior

Photo by Susan Jakubiz

Poplar Inn

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by Susan Jakubiz

Poplar Inn

Cottage Living Room

Photo by Susan Jakubiz

Poplar Inn

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by Susan Jakubiz

Poplar Inn

Cottage Deck

Photo by Susan Jakubiz

Poplar Inn

Cottage Hot Tub

Photo by Susan Jakubiz

Poplar Inn

Location: Banff, Alta.

Price: Averages $325 per night

Sleeps: 4

Bedrooms: 2

Notes:

  • Walk to downtown Banff
  • Private entrance
  • Laundry on site
  • Outdoor fire pit
  • Outdoor hot tub
  • Views of Sulphur and Rundle mountains

Click here to book

 

Cottage Exterior

Photo by Patrick/VRBO

Rocky Mountain Chalet

Cottage View

Photo by Patrick/VRBO

Rocky Mountain Chalet

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by Patrick/VRBO

Rocky Mountain Chalet

Cottage Living Room

Photo by Patrick/VRBO

Rocky Mountain Chalet

Cottage Dining Room

Photo by Patrick/VRBO

Rocky Mountain Chalet

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by Patrick/VRBO

Rocky Mountain Chalet

Cottage Patio

Photo by Patrick/VRBO

Rocky Mountain Chalet

Location: Canmore, Alta.

Price: Averages $450 per night

Sleeps: 6

Bedrooms: 2

Notes:

  • Two-storey townhouse
  • Internet included
  • Laundry on site
  • Communal barbecue
  • Indoor swimming pool and hot tub closed due to COVID-19

Click here to book

 

Categories
Mobile Syrup

CRTC grants funding to improve internet access in Alberta and Nova Scotia communities

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is funding projects in Alberta and Nova Scotia that will help improve internet access.

$8.8 million is going towards four projects that are targeting 680 households. Five communities will be impacted, including four Indigenous communities.

In Alberta, ATG Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership is the service provider receiving funds for three projects. The funds are allocated to We’koqma’q First Nation and Seaside Communications Inc. in Nova Scotia for the remaining project.

Funding was granted only after the companies submitted reports outlining projects, schedules, and costs for approval by the CRTC.

The money is coming from the Broadband Fund, which funds projects that improve infrastructure that delivers wireless internet access. The fund has committed $186.5 million since it launched in 2019. This has improved broadband access in 160 communities in Canada.

Source: CRTC

Categories
Mobile Syrup

CRTC grants funding to improve internet access in Alberta and Nova Scotia communities

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is funding projects in Alberta and Nova Scotia that will help improve internet access.

$8.8 million is going towards four projects that are targeting 680 households. Five communities will be impacted, including four Indigenous communities.

In Alberta, ATG Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership is the service provider receiving funds for three projects. The funds are allocated to We’koqma’q First Nation and Seaside Communications Inc. in Nova Scotia for the remaining project.

Funding was granted only after the companies submitted reports outlining projects, schedules, and costs for approval by the CRTC.

The money is coming from the Broadband Fund, which funds projects that improve infrastructure that delivers wireless internet access. The fund has committed $186.5 million since it launched in 2019. This has improved broadband access in 160 communities in Canada.

Source: CRTC

Categories
Mobile Syrup

CRTC grants funding to improve internet access in Alberta and Nova Scotia communities

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is funding projects in Alberta and Nova Scotia that will help improve internet access.

$8.8 million is going towards four projects that are targeting 680 households. Five communities will be impacted, including four Indigenous communities.

In Alberta, ATG Arrow Technology Group Limited Partnership is the service provider receiving funds for three projects. The funds are allocated to We’koqma’q First Nation and Seaside Communications Inc. in Nova Scotia for the remaining project.

Funding was granted only after the companies submitted reports outlining projects, schedules, and costs for approval by the CRTC.

The money is coming from the Broadband Fund, which funds projects that improve infrastructure that delivers wireless internet access. The fund has committed $186.5 million since it launched in 2019. This has improved broadband access in 160 communities in Canada.

Source: CRTC

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus brings 5G to Camrose, Alberta

Residents in Camrose can now access the 5G network offered by Telus, thanks to a recent expansion in the Alberta municipality.

The extension is part of a $14.5 billion investment the telecom giant is making in Alberta through 2024. The organization says this will assist with health care needs, education, and entrepreneurial activities.

“The significant investments we are making in our world-leading network to rapidly expand our 5G footprint is enabling us to connect the citizens of Camrose to the people, resources and critical information they need as we continue to navigate the global pandemic,” president and CEO, Darren Entwistle, said in a press release.

Telus aims to provide 70 percent of the country with the network. At this time, 67 percent currently have access. Similar announcements have also been made for municipalities in British Columbia.

The company works with numerous vendors including Samsung, Ericsson, and Nokia to provide the service.

Source: Telus

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Telus now offers the fastest 5G network in Dawson Creek and Drumheller, B.C.

The expansions in the British Columbia and Alberta municipalities are part of larger investments the company is making through 2024.

The expansion in Dawson Creek is part of $13 billion in infrastructure and operations funding going towards BC. The expansion in Drumheller is part of a larger $14.5 million investment allocated to Alberta.

The initiative is part of the companies goal to give 70 percent of Canada’s population access to its 5G network. Currently, 67 percent of Canadians have access.

“Indeed, the ongoing expansion of our next-generation 5G technology is bridging time and distance, allowing residents to live and work in any community without compromising productivity or economic opportunity,” president and CEO, Darren Entwistle, said in a press release.

The company is working with a number of vendors, including Samsung, Ericsson, and Nokia, to expand its network across the country. By the end of the year, 615 communities will have access to the 5G network, including an additional 135 communities in Alberta and 187 in British Columbia.

The company explains some of the benefits of this network over 4G are increased capacity, ultra-low latency and edge computing. These advancements help power enhanced health and education opportunities. Estimates show 5G will lead to the creation of 250,000 jobs and put $150 million towards the economy over the next two decades.

Source: Telus

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Alberta company working on largest solar panel project in Canada

Huge solar power plant to use solar energy in a picturesque green field in Ukraine. Aerial panoramic drone shot

Canada’s largest solar farm is currently under construction in oil country.

Named the Travers Solar Project, the solar farm will be built on 3,330 acres of land near the village of Lomond in Vulcan County. According to CBC News, the project will be as large as 1,600 football fields and be covered with 1.3 million solar panels.

The Travers Solar Project’s website states construction is currently underway and a completion date is estimated for the fourth quarter of 2022. Expected to last more than 35 years, the plant will dispel clean energy over its lifetime to 150,000 homes.

CTV News reports more than 1,000 jobs will be created during the construction process. Alberta-based renewable energy company Greengate Power is managing the project.

“In Alberta, the oil and gas industry will continue to be an important part of our economy for the foreseeable future but it’s extremely important we find other areas to diversify our economy,” said Travers Solar Project’s CEO, Dan Balaban, in an interview with CTV’s Your Morning.

Balaban shared Southern Alberta receives over 300 days of sunshine a year, comparing it to Florida when it comes to producing electricity.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: Travers Solar

Categories
Mobile Syrup

It’s official: Vidéotron wants to expand into Western Canada

Source: Shutterstock https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/montreal-canada-november-5-2018-videotron-1244631847

Vidéotron’s CEO has confirmed that the Montreal-based cable, wireless and internet company intends to expand its business into the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

In an interview with Postmedia’s editorial board, Pierre Karl Péladeau announced that his company will in fact use the 3,500 MHz radio spectrum it purchased at the federal government’s summer auction to enter the telecom market in Western Canada.

While refusing to give a firm number, Péladeau suggested that a fourth national competitor in that market could result in 15 to 30 percent lower prices for consumers.

The announcement comes the day after the Federal Court rejected a request from Telus that would have temporarily blocked Quebecor — Vidéotron’s parent company — from using the spectrum it purchased in Canada’s western provinces.

Telus and Bell are currently taking Quebecor to court, arguing that those spectrum purchases should not have been permitted because Vidéotron does not currently offer services in that part of the country.

However, Péladeau is now countering that his company intends to do just that.

The interview quotes him saying that Quebecor scooped up spectrum in Western Canada not “to flip an asset,” but to “build a business” in the region.

For context, Vidéotron has previously sold spectrum for profit. However, its reasoning at the time seemed less to do with hoarding resources and more to do with the high barrier to entry for mid-sized carriers hoping to step foot into Canada’s highly concentrated national telecom market, where Bell, Rogers and Telus have a legally-questionable stranglehold.

Case in point: Vidéotron sold that spectrum to Shaw Communications in 2017, and now Shaw is being gobbled up by Rogers.

Moreover, as the Vancouver Sun article notes, Vidéotron “still needs to strike deals with the existing carriers to piggyback on their networks to launch initially” — a process made all the more tricky by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s decision to backpedal on lowered wholesale rates that would have evened the playing field for small-and-medium-sized internet service providers.

Source: The Vancouver Sun

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Alberta to get a new area code in April 2022

On April 23rd, 2022, a new area code will be introduced in Alberta, in addition to the province’s current 403, 587, 780, and 825 area codes.

According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the new code ‘368’ is meant to fulfil the growing demand for new numbers in Alberta.

“The introduction of a new area code creates millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting the existing numbers,” said Kelly T. Walsh, program manager at the Canadian Numbering Administrator. “The new area code 368 will be added to the current area codes already in use in Alberta.”

After April 23rd, 2022, customers and businesses that request a new phone number may be assigned one with the new area code. Numbers with the new 368 area code will be allocated to customers only when numbers with the old area codes are extinguished.

Further, the addition of the new area code will have no effect on the geographic limits for local calling areas or the way long-distance calls are dialled. Special numbers like 211, 311, 411, 611, and 911 will not be impacted and will continue to be dialled with three digits.

The number of years it takes for the need to add a new area code has been decreasing sharply. The first area code in Alberta, 403, was introduced in 1947, with the next code, 780 being introduced 52 years later in 1999. Following that, area code 587 was added nine years later, in 2008 and area code 825 in 2016, just eight years later. The latest area code marks the fastest time in Alberta’s history where the need to add a new code has arisen — in just five years.

Source: CRTC