Community-owned ISP ENVI Launches in Newmarket, Ontario

NEWMARKET, ON, CANADA — As part of its commitment to support local businesses and economic development, the Town of Newmarket is working with Newmarket Hydro Holdings and new internet service provider Envi to enhance the Town's broadband infrastructure and improve connectivity and service for businesses across the community.

"Just like roads, bridges and sidewalks, now more than ever, a reliable, affordable high-speed broadband network is a critical piece of infrastructure that will be a key factor in the success of our community," says Mayor Tony Van Bynen. "High speed broadband has the potential to open countless doors and create limitless possibilities for Newmarket."

Closing Internet Service Gaps
Envi is a standalone subsidiary of Newmarket Hydro Holdings (NHHI) and Tay Hydro (THI). Effective June 1, ENVI will be the internet service provider of choice for the Town of Newmarket and Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution. Initially, Envi will be focusing its internet service on the business sector. Through its product offerings and 24/7 customer service model, Envi promises to fill the internet connectivity and service gaps currently being experienced by these sectors in the community.

"Envi will start by providing internet service to municipal, universities, schools and hospitals (MUSH) and business sectors. It will offer exceptional service, unparalleled service level agreements and competitive pricing," says Jim Gragtmans, general manager of Envi. "As a community-owned network, Envi is keeping revenues local and reinvesting back into the community it serves."

Bringing Social and Economic Benefits
More reliable, affordable and faster access to the internet will bring social and economic benefits to businesses in the Newmarket community. It will also play an integral role in the Town's economic development strategy.

"Over the past five years, we have worked closely with a number of community partners to bring our broadband strategy to life," says Economic Development Officer Chris Kallio. "By investing locally in broadband infrastructure, the benefits will come in the form of new employers, jobs, buildings and economic growth."

Since 2014, Newmarket has been working on a broadband strategy as a key pillar of the economic development strategy. Envi was created to support economic development, help drive the local economy, increase access to online services, better social inclusion and improve community learning. Powering the community with a fiber network better connects the Town, businesses and community to the rest of the world.