Haida Gwaii to Gain Enhanced Internet Connectivity with New Undersea Cable
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, is set to receive a significant upgrade to its internet infrastructure with the construction of a new $24-million undersea fibre-optic cable. The project, announced on March 13, 2026, aims to improve connectivity for the archipelago’s approximately 4,500 residents and bolster critical services like emergency response, education, and local businesses.
Addressing Connectivity Challenges
Currently, internet outages on Haida Gwaii can last for weeks or even months, severely impacting essential services. The new cable, running from Kitimat on the B.C. North Coast, will provide a crucial layer of redundancy, and resilience. According to Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, president of the Haida Nation, the investment is “an exciting investment into resiliency and redundancy.”
Benefits for the Community
The improved connectivity will benefit a wide range of community members. Local artists will be better equipped to connect with audiences online, and small businesses will be able to more effectively utilize online commerce and services. Reliable internet access is considered vital for public safety, enabling the timely dissemination of emergency alerts during events like tsunamis or severe storms. GwaiiTel chair Sam Hall emphasized that “reliable connectivity is also a matter of public safety.”
Project Details and Timeline
The project is being funded by the Northern Development Initiative Trust and managed by GwaiiTel, an internet service provider jointly owned by the Haida Nation and other local communities. Installation of the underwater cable is planned to begin in the spring of 2027, with the entire project expected to be completed by winter of that year.
A Model for Coastal Connectivity
Hall expressed hope that this project will serve as a “first stage and a model for delivering reliable connectivity to our neighbours along the central and northern B.C. Coast.” Many communities in these regions face similar challenges with unreliable internet access.
Recent Outages Highlight Need for Improvement
Recent outages have underscored the urgent need for improved internet infrastructure on Haida Gwaii. As of March 6, 2026, CityWest rerouted network traffic through a backup system to maintain connectivity following an incident, though customers experienced slower speeds [CityWest Maintenance Page]. A TELUS outage affected South Haida Gwaii in January 2026 due to a fibre optic cable cut between Port Clements and Tlell [Council of the Haida Nation Facebook Post].
Expanding Connectivity on the North Coast
The internet provider suggests this project could be the first step in improving service along the entire North and Central Coasts of British Columbia [CBC News].