Broadband launch on December 8

The long-awaited arrival of high-speed internet in Cramahe Township is expected early in the new year. Cramahe Township Council announced at its meeting on November 17 that a launch will be held at the Castleton Town Hall on December 8 from 5-7 p.m.

To make it an event, the host, Barrett Xplore, will be giving out door prizes. The company will also be taking orders from potential customers who want high speed.

Most residents in the township now rely on dial-up service. With the new Northumberland County Broadband Project many will be ready to give up their phone service and go wireless.

Seven of the ten towers being erected across the county were complete as of October 31and are accepting customers. The tower serving Cramahe was delayed when Cramahe Council refused to sign off for the developers over a location issue.

This summer residents near the proposed location of the proposed broadband tower at 191 Neil McGregor Rd. in Cramahe Township complained that their concerns had not been acknowledged by Barrett Xplore. The company is required to allow a time for public response and was back at Cramahe Council on August 11, requesting concurrence to build the 30-metre tower. The report from Cramahe Development Officer, Rebecca Goddard-Sarria stated there had been one letter received during the public input period. She recommended that Council consider the request for a letter of concurrence.

Cramahe Council, did not send the letter but instead instructed Barrett to get in touch with the area landowners and consult. They did and the decision to move the tower delayed the process. Council sent its letter of concurrence on October 20.

That problem has been resolved to the satisfaction of most of the neighbours and the tower at Griffis Corners in the west end of the township should be in service by the end of the year.