Consent to Complete Work
Columbia Basin Trust is expanding high-speed internet access to more rural communities across the Columbia Basin. This multi-year, $82-million initiative is funded by the federal and provincial governments, regional districts of Central Kootenay, Columbia Shuswap, Kootenay Boundary, East Kootenay, and Columbia Basin Trust. Once complete, it will make high-speed internet available to more than 5,400 homes.
To bring high-speed optical fibre to your home, new infrastructure needs to be installed.
Your consent is required to bring fibre to your property.
There is no cost to you for this work, however If you decline or miss this opportunity, future installations may be possible at the homeowner’s expense.
A letter has been mailed to eligible addresses and you can provide your consent in three ways. Complete the form, and:
- Scan and email to cbt_fibre_consent@cypresslandservices.com.
- Mail using the prepaid envelope sent to you.
- Submit online.
- Drop off your completed form at any of the Columbia Basin Trust offices.
Cypress Lands is conducting the consent process with residents on behalf of Columbia Basin Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fibre internet?
Fibre internet is an ultra-fast, reliable broadband connection transmitted over fibre optic cable. It’s faster, more reliable, and can handle far more data than traditional copper or wireless networks.
Who is installing it?
Columbia Basin Trust is expanding regional fibre infrastructure in partnership with local governments as part of the Connect the Basin project.
Will it cost me anything to have fibre installed on my property?
No. If you provide consent now, the installation will be included at no cost under the Connect the Basin project. If you decline or miss this opportunity, future installations may be possible at the homeowner’s expense.
What services will be available once the fibre is installed, and how much will they cost?
Once the project is complete, local Internet Service Providers will contact you with available service options and pricing. This project’s estimated completion date is spring 2027.
Do I need to give permission?
Yes. Contractors cannot perform this work without your completed consent form.
What happens after I give permission?
Once construction in your community is finished, crews will visit all consented addresses to install the fibre line to each home. This work is expected to begin in 2026.
How will the fibre be installed?
Crews will choose the least intrusive option for your property:
Underground: If there’s existing conduit, they’ll use it. If not, they’ll create a narrow path from the road to your home using small equipment or hand tools.
Aerial: The fibre line will run along existing utility poles and attach to the side of your house, along with a small termination box.
Following installation, all disturbed areas will be restored to their original condition. Lawns will be reseeded once neighbourhood construction is complete.
