CityWest is coming back and has agreed to answer some written questions.
Cortes Currents: There are a lot of would-be customers who were not connected to CityWest for various reasons. In Tiber Bay and Red Granite Road, for example, the problem was allegedly that the route was across solid rock. I do not know why some of the customers in the southern tip of Cortes (like Siskin Lane and South Point Road) were not connected, only that there were a large number of them. I’m also aware that CityWest customers in the Whaletown area have recently been connected. Are there parts of Cortes that, for one reason or another, you will not be able to service?
CityWest: The Cortes fibre project is being built in phases, so not every eligible property is connected at the same time. As each phase of construction is completed, additional homes become eligible for service. While some areas present more complex engineering or construction challenges than others, our goal is to make fibre internet available to as many residents as possible.
This is an aerial fibre build, which allows us to reach the vast majority of homes on Cortes Island. There may be a small number of properties in particularly remote or difficult-to-access locations that won’t have service. Residents may notice that one neighbourhood is connected while another is still waiting. That’s a normal part of a phased infrastructure project. We appreciate the community’s patience as construction continues.
Green= homes within zones that may require further construction to complete connections. Orange = In permitting, tentatively scheduled for fall 2026
Cortes Currents: I heard rumours of a grant to enable you to finish the job. Is there any truth to this rumour and, if so, will it be enough to connect all of Cortes Island? Or are parts of the island too difficult to connect?
CityWest: Yes. In 2021, CityWest entered into a funding agreement to bring fibre internet to households on Cortes Island.
In January 2026, that agreement was amended to provide funding for an additional 186 households that were not included in the original scope.
The additional funding allows us to expand the network and reach significantly more residents than originally planned. Construction will continue in phases as engineering, permitting and build work progresses.
Cortes Currents: Where are the new customers who have signed up? Can you give us an idea how many there are? If some are in the southern tip of Cortes, on South Point Road for example, does that mean the surrounding area will be connected?
CityWest: As each phase of the project is completed, new areas become eligible for fibre service and we’re seeing customers connect throughout those newly completed sections of the network.
Customers have recently been connected in areas such as Whaletown, and additional neighbourhoods will become eligible as construction progresses.
If a home on South Point Road becomes connected, it doesn’t necessarily mean every surrounding property can be connected immediately. Eligibility depends on where construction has been completed and the work required to reach individual properties. However, as future phases are completed, additional surrounding homes may become eligible.
Register your interest here to keep updated when your home comes available for a fibre connection. Please note that construction timelines vary depending on terrain and complexity of build. There may be periods you do not hear from us, please be assured that once you’re submitted the online forum, you information is on file. A CityWest team member will be in touch as soon as your street is ready for the next step.
Cortes Currents: Twincomm employed local workers. That is great for PR, and I believe customers were much more forgiving of any glitches because of it. Does CityWest intend to employ any locals?
CityWest: CityWest recognizes the value of working with local community members wherever possible.
Projects of this scale require specialized fibre construction crews, but we also understand the importance of local knowledge and community relationships. Where opportunities exist, we work with local contractors and service providers to help support project delivery.
Cortes Currents: Is there anything you’d like to add?
CityWest: Residents should know that we understand waiting can be frustrating, especially when you see neighbours getting connected before you. That’s the reality of a phased infrastructure project, where different areas are completed at different stages of construction.
Building a fibre network across a rural island is a complex undertaking, but it’s an investment that will serve the community for decades to come.
We encourage you to register your interest for fibre service here: Cortes Island. A member of the CityWest team will contact you to discuss your eligibility, available options, and the next steps for getting connected.
We’re grateful for the community’s patience and support throughout this project. We’re committed to continuing this work and look forward to bringing reliable, future-proof fibre internet to more homes and businesses across Cortes Island.
Links of Interest:
All images provided by CityWest
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