NEOnet 2009 Annual Report

Infrastructure Enhancement Application

Education and Awareness

2009 Annual Report

Table of Contents Message from the Chair ...... 2 Corporate Profile...... 3 Mandate ...... 3 Regional Profile ...... 4 Catchment Area...... 5 NEOnet Team ...... 6 Organizational Chart...... 6 Core Staff Members...... 7 Leaving staff members...... 8 Board of Directors ...... 9 Projects ...... 10 SIRA Program 2005 – 2009...... 10 Timiskaming and Gogama-Foleyet Area Broadband Project...... 11 First Nations Broadband Project...... 13 2009 ICT Connectivity Survey ...... 14 Cellular Expansion Project ...... 15 Wireless Hotspots Project...... 17 Gap Analysis...... 18 ICT Education & Awareness ...... 19 Vision for 2010 and beyond...... 20 Infrastructure Enhancement...... 20 ICT Applications...... 20 ICT Education & Awareness ...... 20 2010 and beyond Project Plan ...... 21 NEOnet Members...... 23 NEOnet Partners...... 24 2009 Auditor’s Report and Financials......

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2009 Annual Report

Message from the Chair

2009 proved to be a successful year as NEOnet worked diligently to move information and communications technology (ICT) projects forward and gain support for new initiatives. By the end of the year, as a result of Ontera’s leadership, the Timiskaming and Gogama-Foleyet Area Broadband Project had begun serving many of the 18 participating communities. Once the project is complete NEOnet will have empowered 40 communities that would have otherwise remained unserved, with reliable access to high-speed Internet. The Satellite for Remove Areas Program (SIRA), which ended in September, was able to help 817 businesses in Northern Ontario access high-speed satellite Internet. NEOnet’s Wireless Hotspots Project received support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), in the spring and has already installed 15 access points throughout the region. The Cellular Expansion Project with NOHFC, NorthernTel and Ontera has continued to make headway. The tower in Moosonee has been completed and the remaining 9 towers are scheduled for completion by the end of 2011.

NEOnet celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year. The organization was established in 1999 by a group of community development-minded leaders and organizations as a not-for-profit telecommunications development organization for Northeastern Ontario. A digital divide existed between Northern and Southern Ontario, NEOnet was established to close this gap. Over the past 10 years NEOnet with the support of FedNor, NOHFC and other public and private sector partners, have done exactly that and exceeded the initial expectations for the organization. As a result the ICT environment in Northeastern Ontario has dramatically improved.

Since inception NEOnet has secured, leveraged or stimulated over $110,000,000 in ICT investment in Northeastern Ontario. These are contributions from the provincial and federal funding agencies and the private sector who have invested in over 30 NEOnet projects. This is also accounted for through capital dollars that the private sector telecommunications companies have spent building and upgrading networks and on equipment to support additional demand generated as a result of these projects. These projects have directly helped increase business opportunities as telecommunications technology opens the door to opportunities; customer market expands, company profile and visibility increases and location barriers are removed.

It is NEOnet’s desire and intention to continue as the ICT champion for Northeastern Ontario, not just in 2010, but well beyond. NEOnet has developed a strong set of deliverables that the organization is committed to achieving over the next few years to ensure the continued advancement of ICT and encourage economic and community development throughout the region. The organization has numerous projects on the go, some of which are in the implementation phase and others that are in the development phase.

NEOnet is proud of all that was accomplished in 2009 and would like to recognize all those individuals, organizations and businesses that were involved. On behalf of the Board and Staff, as well as the thousands of residents of Northeastern Ontario I would like to thank you for the continued support.

Sincerely,

Michel Desjardins

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2009 Annual Report

Corporate Profile

North Eastern Ontario Communications Network Inc. (NEOnet) is a not-for-profit telecommunications organization that works with the public and private sectors on projects and initiatives that will improve available information and communications technology (ICT) access throughout the region. NEOnet is a nationally recognized model organization that has been the regional ICT leader for the past 10 years. The organization was founded on the premise that ICT business cases are most sustainable when they are founded on market-driven principles, even if public sector support is necessary to offset capital expenditures. Given the geographical make- up of Northeastern Ontario an ICT champion such as NEOnet is vital to ensure the residents of the area have the same access to readily available services in other regions across the country.

The organization's strengths include: a positive reputation and relationship with the public, stakeholders, private sector and funding agencies; a comprehensive understanding of the current ICT environment and sector; dynamic and dedicated board members who act as a valuable resource and offer continuous support; project management expertise; strong regional perspective and partners; and a passionate and innovative staff. Over the past 10 years NEOnet has surpassed expectations and assisted in dramatically improving the ICT environment and significantly reducing the digital divide between Northern and Southern Ontario. An organization such as NEOnet is key for the continued development of communication technologies throughout the region. Adoption and application of the more readily available ICT services requires knowledge that many residents in Northeastern Ontario do not yet have. Residents and small businesses need and rely on an organization like NEOnet.

Mandate Infrastructure Education & Application Awareness

NEOnet has a mandate to promote and develop the three pillars of the ICT sector: Infrastructure Enhancement, Education and Awareness, and Application. In more detail the mandate of the organization is to facilitate private and public sector partnerships that will result in improved telecommunications infrastructure and ICT-related services in the region; to increase awareness and adoption of technology, therefore increasing demand for services and fostering a more competitive ICT environment; and to promote and encourage the development and innovative application of technologies to further economic, community and social development in Northeastern Ontario. NEOnet’s approach to large-scale project management echoes its mandate: it works with stakeholders to develop applications, awareness and infrastructure concurrently, so that funded projects are sustainable and encourage competition. NEOnet is recognized as a model organization that has been the regional information and communications technology leader for the past 10 years. The organization is proud of its accomplishments but realizes there is still more work to be done.

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Regional Profile

NEOnet has built strong relationships with other regional Community Based Networks (CBN), specifically the Muskoka Community Network in Bracebridge, Ontario and Blue Sky Network in North Bay, Ontario. The organization consistently communicates with these CBNs to discuss current and future projects, share ideas and strengthen relationships and ICT initiatives. NEOnet also works in partnership with over 150 municipalities, healthcare organizations, small and medium sized businesses, residents, economic development organizations and government agencies. Through these partnerships NEOnet is able to effectively address service gaps, obstacles to adoption and improve the overall ICT landscape of Northeastern Ontario.

NEOnet uses many different approaches to community development, including:

• Well-established network of contacts in community and economic development, including solid connections with the Community Futures Development Corporations in its region • A corporate communications strategy that addresses the unique needs of members, the media, businesses and the general public • Development and dissemination of accessible technology-oriented information, through print, web and face-to-face channels • Community and political engagement through frequent contact, both in writing, by telephone and in person • Accepted project management techniques (as per Project Management Institute principles) for developing, managing and evaluating projects

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2009 Annual Report

Catchment Area The NEOnet catchment area includes both the Cochrane and Temiskaming Districts, going South to Temagami; West to Foleyet; North to the James Bay Coast; and East to the Quebec Border.

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Communities in the NEOnet catchment area

Attawapiskat FN Earlton Hoyle Moose Factory FN Barbers' Bay Elk Lake Hudson Moosonee FN Bear Island FN Englehart Iroquois Falls Opasatika Belle Vallée Evanturel Jogues Peawanuck Beaverhouse FN Fauquier/Strickland Kapuskasing Sesekinika Black River-Matheson Foleyet Kashechewan FN Shining Tree Brethour Fort Albany FN Kenogami Smooth Rock Falls Calstock Gauthier Kerns South Porcupine Chamberlain Gogama Kirkland Lake Swastika Chaput Hughes Hallébourg Latchford Temagami Charlton/Dack Harley Larder Lake Temiskaming Shores Cobalt Kirkland Lake Matachewan Thornloe Cochrane Larder Lake Matachewan FN Timmins Coleman Harris Mattagami FN Val Rita Connaught Harty Mattice/Val Côté Virginiatown Constance Lake FN Hearst McGarry Wahgoshig FN Hilliard Moonbeam Westree

NEOnet Team

The organization has a well-researched and proven organizational structure and operating model, augmented by a mature Board of Directors with an established direction and firm mandate. NEOnet has built a reputation for superior project management skills in the context of community development and fiscal responsibility. Its staff is well-rounded, functions very effectively as a team and offers a wide range of skills to the organization. NEOnet is based in Timmins and operates with a core staff of three individuals, Director of Operations, Project Facilitator and ICT Project Manager. All three staff members assist with NEOnets activities and the implementation of its core mandate. Additional staff is hired to champion a specific project or provide regional education and training opportunities and programs.

Organizational Chart

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2009 Annual Report

Core Staff Members

David McGirr - Director of Operations - 30 years experience in telecommunication business development and sales strategy - Honors degree in Economics from McMaster University - 2004 recipient of The Order of Ontario for his devotion to developing the quality of life in Northern Ontario and community work - Regionally recognized champion for state-of-the-art telecommunications services in rural areas of Northern Ontario - Chair of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation board, Chair of the Board of Governors at Northern College and Chair of the Timmins and District Hospital Capital Campaign

Dave joined the NEOnet team as the Director of Operations in September 2009. He is responsible for the overall management of the organization, support and assistance of staff, and development and implementation of ICT projects.

Sharon Jones - Project Facilitator - 25 years of experience in office management and bookkeeping - Certification in payroll management and business studies - Responsible for the SIRA Program - 10 years of experience in managing funding claims for both federal and provincial government projects

Sharon has been NEOnet's Project Facilitator since July 2002. Sharon provides critical support to the Director of Operations, she ensures that all claims are prepared according to the funding agencies’ requirements, and provides weekly budget snapshots for each project. Sharon maintains all records and financial accounts for the organization. She also contributes and works on many other NEOnet initiatives.

Alexandra Spence – ICT Project Manager - 5 years of business experience - Degree in Economics from Dalhousie University - Managed NEOnet’s 2009 Regional Outreach Initiative - Member of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Committee and the Porcupine Toastmasters Club and a volunteer for the Timmins Homework Club

Alexandra started at NEOnet in June 2009 as the Regional Outreach Coordinator, a FedNor Youth Internship Position. On March 1, 2010 Alexandra became NEOnet’s Project Manager. As Project Manager Alexandra is responsible for the management of current projects, development of new NEOnet projects, marketing initiatives and educational workshops and presentations.

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Leaving staff members

Stéphane Gallant – Director of Operations - 10 years of industry experience - MBA and Degree in Psychology from Laurentian University - Management Consulting Designation - Champion for ICT enhancement and development in Northeastern Ontario - President of Northern Region, Canadian Red Cross

Stéphane joined the NEOnet team in August 2001 and became Director of Operations in September 2005. His leadership and collaborative approach towards ICT enhancement, application and adoption equipped NEOnet with the resources necessary to ensure infrastructure projects and educational and awareness initiatives were supported. Stéphane left NEOnet in August and started a new position at FedNor as a Community Economic Development Officer. NEOnet wants to thank Stéphane for his hard work and dedication during his time with the organization and wishes him all the best.

Chris McLaughlin – ICT Project Manager - 12 years of not-for-profit and private sector work experience - Honors Degree in Political Science and General Economics from Wilfred Laurier University - Royal Roads University Graduate Certificate in Project Management - Managed projects such as the Timmins and Gogama-Foleyet Broadband Project, the 2009 Connectivity Survey and the Seniors’ Computer Centres Project - Active committee member of the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, YMCA and the Canadian Red Cross

In September 2005, Chris became the ICT Project Manager for NEOnet. Chris supervised NEOnet’s Regional Outreach Coordinator and Seniors’ Computer Centre Coordinators, in addition to being a functional project manager. At the end of February 2010, Chris moved to Regina where he will be working as the Annual Giving Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. Chris is very excited about his new career and living in another part of the country, however he will never forget all the wonderful people he worked with throughout Northeastern Ontario. NEOnet wishes Chris all the best with his new endeavors.

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Board of Directors

NEOnet is governed by a board of directors from a number of different communities and sectors of the economy ensuring a regional and diverse perspective is represented. The Board of Directors for 2009 was comprised of 14 individuals from various communities throughout Northeastern Ontario. Both public and private sector organizations are represented to help NEOnet carry out its mandate within a regional context. The following table lists the board members, the organizations or sectors they represent as well as the year of their first election.

Year of First Name Position with NEOnet Representation Election

Conseil scolaire catholique Michel Desjardins Chair de district des Grandes 2000 Rivières

Denis Bérubé Vice-Chair North Claybelt CFDC 2003

Gogama Local Services Gerry Talbot Director at Large 2005 Board

Gary Marriott Director at Large M-Tel Consulting 2004

Algonquin Business Phil Barton Treasurer 2004 Computers

Tony Senyuk Board Member Northern College 2001

Timmins and District Guy Guindon Board Member 2002 Hospital

Linda Côté Board Member South Temiskaming CFDC 2006

Gaëtan Board Member NorthernTel 2007 Lacoursière

Andy Yu Board Member City of Timmins 2007

Paul Ouimette Board Member Leo Alarie & Sons Limited 2007

Steve Kidd Board Member Independent 2006

Daniel Martel Board Member Ontera 2008

Dennis Higgs Board Member Ontera 2009

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2009 Annual Report

Projects

SIRA Program 2005 – 2009 Project Partners: FedNor

The Satellite Internet for Remote Areas Program (SIRA) was introduced in the fall of 2005 to help rural and remote Northern Ontario businesses and organizations secure high-speed Internet access for business purposes. SIRA supported FedNor’s efforts to facilitate small business development in rural economies by helping small to medium size businesses establish broadband access regardless of their location. Through NEOnet, eligible applicants received up to 75%, to a maximum of $1,000 to help support the cost of equipment and installation.

Demand for this program was such that this initial pilot project was continued for four successful years after its inception. By completion, September 30, 2009 FedNor’s investment of $450,000 helped 817 small to medium size businesses obtain access to high-speed Internet.

High-speed Internet access is a critical tool for the business sector, as it facilitates marketing and communications efforts. Research shows that when properly implemented, it can also introduce significant operational efficiencies and cost savings. NEOnet’s Project Facilitator, Sharon Jones should be commended for her efforts with this successful project.

Testimonials We are dependant on the Internet for marketing and electronic correspondence with our customers. I would like to express my appreciation for the SIRA Program provided through NEOnet. This has been a tremendous help for our business. – Al & Doris Errington, Errinton’s Wilderness Island Resort

The SIRA project was very helpful in obtaining hi-speed Internet. We didn't have regular telephone lines so the satellite hi-speed Internet was wonderful for us. – Russ Thibodeau, Green Wilderness Lodge

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Timiskaming and Gogama-Foleyet Area Broadband Project Project Partners: NOHFC, FedNor & Ontera

By the end of December 2009, the Timiskaming and Gogama-Foleyet Broadband Project construction was completed. NEOnet and the 18 participating communities would like to thank FedNor, NOHFC and Ontera for their leadership and dedication to the project. Without their support this $7,100,000 ICT infrastructure project would not have been possible. Residents of the Town of Latchford, Municipality of Temagami, Goodfish, Hough Lake, Chamberlain Township, Coleman Township, King Kirkland, Township of Gauthier, Gowganda, Nettie Lake, Foleyet, Chaput Hughes, Gogama, Gowganda, Sesekinika, Kenogami, Westree and Shinning Tree will benefit greatly from high speed Internet access.

See the map on the following page that highlights high-speed Internet availability in North Eastern Ontario.

The Timiskaming and Gogam-Foleyet Area Broadband Project was based on stakeholder input – “Our mission is to equalize access to the health, education and social services that our urban counterparts take for granted, and offer our youth a viable alternative to leaving the North.” Broadband access reduces the barriers of distance, geography, and lack of services. This project helps level the playing field and facilitates equal access to services and amenities taken for granted by our urban counterparts.

Ontera established a wireless broadband network using the Canopy Advantage system supplied by Motorola Canada Ltd. This system provides a broadband, wireless, last-mile link to subscribers and is particularly well suited to servicing dispersed, low-density population bases such as the communities involved in the project. The system features a number of wireless points-of-presence (POPs) also referred to as access points (AP). AP clusters are located at tower sites in all 18 of the participating communities. The wireless network will be connected to Ontera’s existing fibre optic back-haul network at Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Englehart, New Liskeard and Temagami.

Testimonials Getting to where we are today took a long time, I think six or seven years from the time we embarked on the broadband project but was it worth it. Rest assured that it was the most gratifying moment to see this project come to fruition when we were finally able to leave dial up connections behind and move to high speed Internet. A project that saw many people get involved leading to a classic example of what partnerships can accomplish. Provincial and Federal government, community, private sector and non- profit organization coming together to accomplish what was best not only for my community but for the region and Northern Ontario. A special thank you to NEOnet for being the champion that never gave up on us and worked right along with us to make it happen. Thanks to Ontera for their involvement and wanting to be part of the solution. Today we enjoy Internet that allows us to communicate with our friends and families, do on- line banking in minutes instead of hours, tele-education and tele-health opportunities. Congratulations to all those that were involved with this project. – Gerry Talbot, Gogama

Whoever was responsible or contributed to the possibility of high speed Internet in the Shining Tree area we are greatly appreciative. It is like a Ferrari compared to a go-cart. – Derek Mansell & Cathy Davis, Shining Tree

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First Nations Broadband Project Project Partners: NorthernTel, Mattagami First Nation, Wahgoshig First Nation & Matachewan First Nation

Access to high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity, comparable to telephone access in the home. High-speed Internet is essential from a health, education, safety, economic and community development standpoint. NEOnet continues to work diligently to secure funding for the First Nations Broadband Project that will bring high-speed Internet to Mattagami, Wahgoshig, Matachewan First Nations communities. The project will not only bring broadband services to these three communities but also create employment opportunities as the First Nations will own and operate the network. NorthernTel, the selected vendor through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process will install necessary infrastructure and provide training to ensure sustainability of the network. Without access to high-speed Internet residents of these communities are faced with a significant disadvantage. NEOnet and NorthernTel are committed to moving this project forward and are actively pursuing funding opportunities.

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2009 Annual Report

2009 ICT Connectivity Survey Project Partners: NOHFC & FedNor

The 2009 Connectivity Survey was done in June by Oraclepoll Research Ltd., which was made possible through the support of FedNor and NOHFC. Five hundred residents and three hundred businesses from across Northern Ontario were interviewed. The findings from the survey were then used to write the report, High-speed Internet Connectivity and Utilization in Northern Ontario: A User Guide 2009. NEOnet is encouraged by the findings of the survey but recognizes that there is more that can be achieved. The 2009 Connectivity Survey results have been discussed at length by the NEOnet team and have helped to shape the organizations deliverables for 2010 and beyond.

Highlights from the Report

Since the last Connectivity Survey in 2005 Northern Ontario has experienced significant growth in residential and business high-speed penetration rates. This is in part thanks to FedNor and NOHFC along with private sector partners who have maintained a strong commitment to expanding the availability of broadband infrastructure throughout the region. This investment in Northern Ontario has encouraged penetration rates that surpass national averages.

Further investment in Northern Ontario infrastructure should focus on extending the broadband footprint, along with creating and promoting education and awareness programs aimed at “adopting high-speed applications” in order to encourage a culture of innovation and comfort with technology. Residents and businesses that are not currently subscribing to high- speed service stated that they are not aware of any compelling reason for using broadband or they perceive the cost of connectivity to be too high.

It is apparent that more needs to be done to educate the public on the merits of technology. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) calls this development the ‘use divide’. Computer training programs developed and delivered at public Internet access sites (libraries and schools), or through informal workshops would help emphasize the benefits of technology to everyone.

There are still pockets across the region that remain unserved or underserved. Infrastructure development in the region is hampered by the substantial costs associated with the large distances to cover and the topography of the area. There are a few new methods that can be embraced to expand the broadband footprint into these hard to reach locations, including Satellite or Wireless Internet. Improving the existing broadband infrastructure to allow for the increase bandwidth demand may also help to increase the penetration rate in the region. Some areas of Canada are now providing up to 100 Mbps.

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2009 Annual Report

Cellular Expansion Project Project Partners: NOHFC, NorthernTel & Ontera

This fall NEOnet received approval from NOHFC to amend the project scope to include 10 towers. NorthernTel is in the process of upgrading all their cell towers to a new technology called HSPA (supports iPhones), which will also be used for this project. Without the support of NOHFC, NorthernTel and Ontera this $6,500,000 communications project would not be moving forward. The project is well underway, and construction at some tower locations has already begun. Ontera has completed the tower in Moosenee and residents are enjoying and benefiting from reliable access to cellular service.

By spring 2010, the construction of the remaining 9 towers will move into gear, all of which should be offering service by the fall of 2011. Upon completion, this project will have dramatically increased public safety and communications in the region, as several major service gaps will be eliminated. Increased telecommunication capabilities translates into increased economic development, public safety and employment opportunities.

See coverage map and tower locations on the following page.

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Tower Locations (10) - Godon Lake - Halfway Lake - Mattice - Kamiskotia - Opishing - Dawson Point - Koko Lake - Moosonee (Ontera) - Foleyet - McCool

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Wireless Hotspots Project Project Partners: NOHFC, NorthernTel & the five regional Community Futures Development Corporations

NEOnet is pleased to report that on June 4th, 2009 we received support from NOHFC for the Hotspots Project and late last fall received the necessary support for the project to move forward from the five regional Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs). With the strong leadership of the project vendor NorthernTel, the project will see the installation of 80 publicly accessible wireless Internet access points. In December several hotspots were installed in arenas throughout the region to ensure all participating communities in the World Under 17 Hockey tournament were equipped with the required connectivity. It is expected that all remaining hotspots will be up and running by the end of the summer 2010.

Participating communities include Mattice-Val Coté, Moonbeam, Temagami, Latchford, Larder Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Kirkland Lake, McGarry, Cobalt, Timmins, Kapuskasing, Hearst, Englehart, Iroquois Falls, Smooth Rock Falls and Black River-Matheson.

NorthernTel will assume, for a period of two years the costs associated with the installation, maintenance, network hosting and monitoring, as well as the necessary bandwidth. The participating communities will then work with NEOnet, NOHFC, and NorthernTel to determine the sustainability of the access points, potentially assuming the related operational costs after the initial two years of approximately $70 a month per access point. A Steering Committee led by NEOnet with one representative from each participating community, NorthernTel, and NOHFC will be established and meet on a quarterly basis via conference call to discuss successes, challenges and the sustainability of the access points.

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Gap Analysis

In the fall of 2009 NEOnet began conducting a comprehensive analysis of Northeastern Ontario to determine the availability of high-speed Internet. The majority of communities in Northeastern Ontario have access to high-speed Internet; there are however remote areas that remain without service. This is something NEOnet is committed to changing. Ten years ago access to high-speed Internet may have been considered a luxury however today it is an essential service. Access to broadband is essential from a medical, safety, education, economic development and some would argue social standpoint. Areas that remain without access to a reliable high-speed Internet connection are at a significant disadvantage.

NEOnet is working with all Internet service providers to accurately determine service footprints and identify and understand where gaps remain. In October NEOnet contacted all communities within the catchment area asking for their input. NEOnet’s goal is to be the first region in Canada with 100% service. This project is essential to ensure Northern Ontario is not part of what the Globe and Mail recently referred to as “Canada’s Broadband Lag”.

Over the past 10 years NEOnet has worked on a number of broadband expansion projects that brought high-speed Internet access to 40 communities that wouldn’t otherwise have had access. The organization has worked diligently with and appreciated the support of NOHFC and FedNor along with the leadership of the service providers to complete these projects. Without the participation of our private and public sector partners these 40 communities would remain unserved.

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2009 Annual Report

ICT Education & Awareness

In the fall NEOnet reviewed and redeveloped its regional education and training strategy to target interest groups, businesses and organizations to ensure participation and relevance. The strategy has proven successful. NEOnet plans to continue this momentum and increase the number of educational initiatives and presentations in 2010.

The following highlights NEOnet’s ICT Education & Awareness projects and initiatives for 2009.

Activity Goal 2009

• Increase practical ICT and tech • Delivered 18 presentations and knowledge of residents workshops throughout catchment Tech Break Time • Increase number of presentations area presentations and workshops delivered in • Generated additional participation outlying areas of the region and increased attendance

Wired News, monthly • Increase practical ICT and tech • Increased number of newsletter newsletter knowledge of residents readers by 30

Quarterly Stakeholders • Keep stakeholders aware of our • Issued four Stakeholder Updates projects, progress and outreach and Update educational initiatives

• Ensure businesses in the region are • Met with over 15 industry and aware of and implementing new community leaders to discuss the technologies that will foster growth success, obstacles and the future of ICT Focus Group and prosperity information and communication • Compile comments to be used for technology in Northern Ontario the Northern Ontario Utilization Study

• Provide an update to council and • Executed over 20 council meetings community members about presentations throughout the region NEOnet council meeting NEOnet’s current projects and • Re-established relationships future initiatives presentations • Ensure communities realize NEOnet is continued to work as ICT champion for the region

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2009 Annual Report

Vision for 2010 and beyond

Infrastructure Enhancement • Cellular Expansion Project, once completed in 2011 will bring an additional 10 cell towers to the region; NEOnet is managing the project, vendor is NorthernTel. • Gap Analysis Project will map out current service footprint in regards to available high- speed Internet service and allow us to identify and understand all areas that remain unserved; target date of completion is Fall 2010. • Work with private and public sector partners to fill in remaining unserved areas. NEOnet’s goal is to be the first region in Canada that is 100% served. • Continue working with NorthernTel to find a funder for the First Nations Broadband Project that will bring high-speed Internet access to Wahgoshing First Nation, Mattachewan First Nation and Mattagami First Nation and provide employment opportunities as First Nations will own and operate the network. • Continue working with businesses who require more than 1.5 Mbps to sustain operations in the region, develop a project that will increase capacity and help being service to surrounding unserved areas.

ICT Applications • Wireless Hotspots Project will develop 80 free wireless access points in over 15 communities across Northeastern Ontario; all hotspots live by end of summer 2010. • Municipal/Community Application Inventory Project will help identify where gaps exist in software applications used for public administration and services; survey to be completed by December 2010. • Develop a strategy to address identified gaps and provide training opportunities. • Facilitate and encourage GIS partnerships, educate communities on the benefits of GIS. • Develop and administer a similar program to Muskoka Community Network’s Broadband for E-business and Marketing (BEAM) Project. NEOnet would add a training component to the program; targeting for Fall 2010. • Secure funding for the ICT Education and Workforce Study to determine where gaps exist between offered education programs and employers needs. The final report will make recommendations on what programs need to be offered to better prepare individuals entering the workforce for regional job opportunities.

ICT Education & Awareness • On-going Tech Break Time Presentations that provide an informal environment to learn about new developments and applications in ICT; minimum of 25 presentations. • NEOnet’s monthly newsletter, Wired News provides a compilation of technology articles and links; increase distribution list annually by 50 contacts. • Promotion of industry-specific technology through the publication of 4 targeted newsletters that provide a variety of ICT related articles for the specific industry; mining, forestry, retail and health. • Quarterly Stakeholder Update keeps the region informed of NEOnet’s projects, activities and initiatives. • Develop James Bay Coast training opportunities to provide residents with the knowledge needed to utilize the Internet for education, economic development, small business and healthcare opportunities.

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2010 and beyond Project Plan

Project Objectives Annual Deliverables

• Construction of 10 new cell towers in the region (tower • Full public disclosure of project in Moosonee already offering service) • Minimum of four press releases • On-going project management and liaise with vendor on project status Cellular Expansion NorthernTel and Ontera and funder NOHFC Project • Late Fall 2010, three new cell • Project will fill in major cellular service gaps, increase towers to begin offering service public safety and dramatically improve • End of 2011 remaining six cell telecommunications throughout the region towers to be completed

• Install 80 free wireless Internet access points in public • On-going communication with locations in communities throughout Northeastern project vendors and funder Ontario • Minimum of four conference Wireless Hotspots • Provide increased connectivity to local residents and calls with Steering Committee businesses, attract more events, people and businesses to • Full public disclosure of project Project the area, generating new economic opportunities • Fall 2010 all access points to be • Generate maximum community and economic benefits offering service for the region through strong leadership and innovative

ideas

• Identify current high-speed Internet coverage area and • Served and unserved areas understand all remaining gaps clearly identified in an exhaustive map • Map out served area with a GIS application that will be Gap Analysis publicly accessed from the NEOnet website • Secure funding for project that will bring service to all • Develop a comprehensive strategy to service remaining remaining unserved population unserved areas clusters

• Project will offer high-speed Internet to residents of • Secure required funding and Mattagami, Matachewan and Wahgoshig First Nations begin project implementation

• Economic and employment opportunities will be created • Strengthen partnership with First Nations as First Nation communities will own and operate the three participating First Nation Broadband Project network Communities • Through RFP process NorthernTel selected as project vendor, both NEOnet & NorthernTel dedicated to the success of this project

• Work with regional and • Ensure employers have access to superior ICT community economic infrastructure and services they require to operate in the development corporations to region Opportunities ensure needs are being met • If needs are not being met, work with businesses to Develop an open exceeding 1.5 address issues and implement an action plan • Mbps communication environment • Secure employment opportunities, foster future business so businesses can share ICT opportunities, encourage economic development and fill obstacles and limitations in service gaps in surrounding areas • Issue RFPs as required

• Secure funding to start • Assist and encourage small and medium sized administering the program enterprises (SME) to adopt E-business tools BEAM – • Minimum of 30 SME Broadband for • Develop a training program to help participating SME participating in the program learn to maintain, update and utilize E-business • Develop a group of businesses E-business and applications Marketing to meet on a semi-annual basis • Eligible applicants to receive up to 75% of the supported to share ideas, successes and costs of development, to a maximum of $2,000 challenges with E-business tools

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• Re-develop website, making it more user friendly and • Issue RFP by summer 2010 incorporating E-business tools • Monthly updates of resources, • Update website content and archive older material tools & articles NEOnet Website • Increase awareness of technology trends with featured • Implementation of social articles and links posted on site networking strategy that

• Develop a clear set of objectivities NEOnet will achieve encourages open through the implementation of social network tools and communication with public applications • Weekly updates of social • Increase NEOnet’s overall web presence network applications

• Complete an inclusive regional ICT workforce analysis • Submit Stage 2 application to and needs assessment NOHFC for project by the end • Gain an understanding of the current ICT environment of June 2010

Regional ICT and determine where gaps exist between employer needs • Secure project funding before education & and workforce skills the end of 2010

workforce study • Study will make recommendations for educational • Execute study over 6 months

institutions, industry and government • Develop recommendations to strengthen the region’s ICT sector • Minimum of four industry • Develop industry specific newsletters to highlight current specific newsletters distributed usage and development of ICT in the specific sectors; to businesses in the industry Publicize retail, health, mining and forestry throughout Northeastern • Encourage adoption and application of new technologies industry specific Ontario • Increase communication between companies within ICT newsletters • Create a forum for specific specific sectors of the economy to increase opportunities industries to share ideas and for all use each other as a resource

Provide hands- • Provide training to recent graduate/youth to encourage • Provide ICT-specific training them to remain in Northern Ontario; assist a local and career development on ICT training organization in recruiting experienced youth with opportunity to at least one to a Youth Intern technology background Youth Intern • Inform stakeholders and public of ICT developments and Publicize ICT • Minimum of 12 region-wide news in an easily accessible format press releases and 12 progress and Provide updates to regional businesses and organizations • newsletters announcing ICT advances within re: status of ICT infrastructure and application within the progress region region • Share information and best practices among stakeholders • 10 workshops in Timmins and • Encourage adoption of efficient, cost-saving technologies at least 10 workshops in Build ICT • Promote partnerships and networking in an informal outlying areas of the region Awareness environment • Increase regional businesses • Increase awareness of technology trends outside Timmins online presence and marketing proper initiatives

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2009 Annual Report

NEOnet Members NEOnet could not have achieved the level of success it has without the continued support of its members:

Canadian Mental Health Association Corp. of the Town of Moosonee

Child and Family Services of Timmins and District Gogama Local Services Board

Davidson de Laplante Insurance Brokers Ltd. Foleyet & Area Chamber of Commerce

Iroquois Falls Community Development Team Township of Chapleau

Northeastern Catholic District School Board Persona Communications Inc Tembec Industries Inc. Dist. of Timiskaming Social Serv.Admin Brd Timmins and District Hospital Timmins Chamber of Commerce

Timmins Economic Development Corporation Human Resources Development Canada

Northern College of Applied Arts & Technology The Township of James

Ontera Township of Mattice-Val Coté Collège Boréal The Municipality of Temagami Conseil scolaire catholique de district des grandes The Township of Matachewan rivières District School Board Ontario North East The Township of Black River - Matheson

City of Timmins Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corp.

District of Cochrane Social Services Township of Evanturel Administration Board North Claybelt Community Futures Development Kirkland & District Community Business Centre Corp. South Temiskaming Community Futures Town of Englehart Development Corp City of Temiskaming Shores Town of Iroquois Falls The Corporation of the Town of Hearst The Township of Moonbeam The Town of Kirkland Lake Ross Pope Inc. The Township of Larder Lake Town of Cochrane The Township of McGarry Leo Alarie and Sons Construction Ltd The Township of Opasatika Algonquin Business Computers The Town of Kapuskasing M-Tel Consutling Service The Venture Centre KapOnLine Kirkland & District Community Development NorthernTel Organziation

23

2009 Annual Report

NEOnet Partners NEOnet would like to thank its more than 150 public and private sector partners for their continued support, leadership and patience. Their input and involvement ensures that NEOnet remains a community-based organization.

ACFO Iroquois Falls CAP site Kapuskasing Public Library Teck Centennial Library Kirkland and District Community Adnet Teck Pioneer Residence Development Corporation Algonquin Business Computers Kirkland Lake CAP sites Temagami Public Library Ateliers des Pionniers et Pionnières Temiskaming Shores Public Krazy Krazy Audiotronic Du Nord Library- Haileybury Branch Temiskaming Shores Public Bell Canada La Boîte à lettres Library - New Liskeard Branch Beyond Wireless Larder Lake Public Library Terry McGaghran Bibliothèque de Hearst Public Latchford Public Library Library Thomas Kim Bibliothèque municipale de Val Timmins Chamber of Matachewan Community Centre Rita-Harty Commerce Bibliothèque municipale Fauquier- Matachewan First Nation Timmins & District Hospital Strickland Bibliothèque publique Canton Timmins Economic Mattagami First Nation Armstrong Development Corporation Bibliothèque publique de Mattice- Timmins Native Friendship Mattagami First Nation CAP site Val Côté Centre CAP site Bibliothèque publique de Mattice Public Library Timmins Public Library CAP site Moonbeam Black River Matheson Library and McGarry Community Internet Town of Cobalt CAP sites Access Centre McGarry Public Library and CAP Blue Sky Network Town of Cochrane site C & G Computers Michael Byrnes Town of Englehart Moose Factory Education Chapleau Public Library Town of Hearst Authority Chapleau Regional Development Moosonee Native Friendship Town of Iroquois Falls Corporation Centre Château Georgian Retirement M-Tel Consulting Town of Kapuskasing Residence City of Temiskaming Shores Municipality of Jogues Town of Kirkland Lake City of Timmins Municipality of Mattice Val Côté Town of Larder Lake Cobalt Public Library and CAP site Municipality of Temagami Town of Latchford Cochrane Public Library Muskoka Community Network Town of Matachewan Collège Boréal National Research Council (IRAP) Town of Moosonee Companion Restaurant Neal McNair Town of Temagami Computers for Schools NetCentral Township of Armstrong Nord-Aski Regional Economic Township of Black River Connaught CAP site Development Corporation Matheson

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2009 Annual Report

Conseil Scolaire Catholique de North Claybelt Community Futures Township of Casey District des Grandes Rivières Development Corporation District of Cochrane Social Services North Centennial Manor Township of Chamberlain Administration Board District of Timiskaming Social Services Northdale Manor Township of Coleman Administration Board District School Board Ontario North Northeastern Catholic District Township of Evanturel East School Board Northern College of Applied Arts Earlton Public Library Township of Gauthier and Technology Elk Lake Public Library Northern Lights Library Network Township of Harley Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Encore Club Kirkland Lake Township of Hilliard Corporation Englehart Public Library and CAP site Northern Swing Golf Centre Township of Hudson Extendicare Kirkland Lake NorthernTel Township of James FedNor NorthernTel Mobility Township of Kerns Township of Lebel (King Foleyet Local Services Board Ontario Library Services North Kirkland) Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Foleyet Metis Pathfinders CAP site Township of McGarry Food and Rural Affairs Francine J. Wesley Secondary School Ontario Ministry of Culture Township of Opasatika Ontario Ministry of Northern Venture Centre/Centre de Gogama CAP site Development and Mines développement Gogama Local Services Board Ontario Trillium Foundation Vezina Secondary School Green Tomato Ontera Village of Gowganda Iroquois Falls Adult Learning Centre Opasatika Public Library Village of Kenogami Iroquois Falls Community Parolink.net Village of Sesekinika Development Team Iroquois Falls Public Library and CAP Persona Communications Village of Shining Tree site J.R. Nakogee School Ramore Public Library CAP site Village of Thornloe Kap Information Technology Services Spacek’s Audiotronic Village of Westree Spruce Hill Lodge Retirement Over 100 Seniors’ Computer Kapuskasing Career Info Home Training Volunteers Sultan CAP Site 807.net

25 Thank you to our 2009 project funders

Community Futures Development Corporations Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corporation North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation The Venture Centre/ Le Centre de développement Kirkland Lake & District Community Development Corporation South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corporation

2009 Annual Report www.neonet.on.ca