Powering Melville Beach through digital connection

Funding provided through Canada Community-Building Fund

Nestled along the scenic shores of Crooked Lake, Melville Beach offers access to a number of beautiful beaches and is home to 100 properties. For years, the community of Melville Beach has faced challenges with connectivity, with limited access to reliable cell phone coverage, internet, and television services.

Residents often relied on satellite dish services for television and mobile data plans to access the internet. With the installation of high-speed internet, thanks to the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), residents can now access stable online services, stay connected with loved ones, and enjoy a range of entertainment from streaming shows to listening to music to playing games.   

Building strong connectivity

In a digitally connected world, expanding access to rapid and reliable internet is fundamental to helping communities stay connected. By leveraging the community's existing power poles, internet lines were installed above ground. These lines connect to a central building that manages the network, delivering smooth and seamless internet connection to residents.    

By utilizing existing infrastructure assets, it eliminated the need for new construction to support digital connectivity. This approach offered a practical and cost-effective solution to provide accessible, affordable, and fast internet to the residents of Melville Beach.

A digitally connected future

Television viewing has become more reliable and convenient to set up, removing the need for satellite dishes. Internet access is now readily available at the touch of a button, allowing users to connect to the internet easily without relying on their personal mobile data plans. Reliable, high-speed internet is an essential service that fosters accessible and inclusive communities.  

Connectivity issues that once hindered daily life are long gone. The installation of internet lines throughout the community has resulted in dependable, high-performing internet services that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages, from students to small business owners to remote workers. 

Quick facts

• Across Canada, the federal government renewed the CCBF and is investing $26.7 billion over the next ten years (2024-2034) to support core infrastructure projects.
• The CCBF invests in 19 different project categories in over 3,700 communities across the country, such as public transit, water infrastructure, solid waste management, highways, roads, and bridges.

For more information

• Canada Community-Building Fund in Saskatchewan