Imagine…

Waves lapping against the lake shore. Fresh, clean air. The gentle sounds of nature.

Nadsilnich Lake or as the locals call it, West Lake, is about 20 minutes southwest of Prince George. The area is home to West Lake Provincial Park, a popular destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

About 40 families live on or near the lake year round. They choose to live there because it offers a serene setting far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still being close enough to for an easy drive to work or shopping. Many run businesses out of their homes.

Cut Off from the Rest of the World?

But the advantages of life by the lake were diminishing – despite being so close to Prince George, West Lake was a world away in technology. The only Internet service available at the lake was via slow dial-up or costly satellite connections. Paying such a high cost for low performance Internet access became a barrier for many current residents and those who had thought about moving to West Lake. John Kason and his neighbours decided to do something about it. Making Connections As active members of the West Lake Community Association, the full time residents began to work together to get a broadband network in the area. In less than a week, they had 42 letters of support from 109 people.

“Most of our members didn’t have basic Internet, let alone a high speed connection. So you can imagine the excitement that many of them had over getting connected for the first time,” said Kason.

The association began working with ABC Communications on a grant application for funding under Network BC’s Connecting Citizens Grant Program. Once funding was approved, they began installing the network. Residents put in countless volunteer hours to find and prepare the site for the broadcast tower. Local businesses donated heavy equipment and time at little or no cost.

Flicking the Switch

In April 2010, broadband Internet was turned on at West Lake… and the result?

“The effect has been immeasurable,” said Kason. “Our retired members now have access to simple things like online banking and government services. Our kids are able to do their homework properly because everything’s online these days. And our business owners now have a reliable high speed service.”

Even in just a few months since getting connected, the community has seen: Part time property owners become full time residents. Social service providers cut their operating costs. Small business owners reduce their commute by working from home. People working from home lower their carbon footprint because they drive less.

“I’m a stockbroker, so I can work at my cabin by the lake instead of going to town,” added Kason.

This summer, the community will welcome several new full time families. And more are sure to follow.

They’ll come for the serene lakeside setting, but they’ll stay because of the Internet.

Did You Know?

• Today, 93 per cent of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet.
• B.C. is one of the most connected jurisdictions in the world.
• Bridging the digital divide increases access to health information, education, economic opportunities and government services.
• $1.5M to connect more B.C. residents to broadband. [Oct. 12, 2010 information bulletin]