THE PROJECT
Onion Lake Cree Nation (OLCN) is committed to building self-reliance and community wellness through Nehiyaw-led governance and innovation. OLCN straddles the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, about 50km north of Lloydminster. CIRA funded the community of 220 members to launch the OLNET Tower and Fibre Project to improve internet access for key community buildings and nearby homes—an urgent need that became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project involved relocating the community’s main network hub from a secure health centre to a more accessible location, installing a 96-foot tower, and laying fibre optic lines to connect the housing, post-secondary and transportation buildings. The work was carried out by local teams, including Onion Lake’s own gas and IT companies, with a focus on training and mentoring community members.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The project has already made a tangible difference. Staff in finance, housing and social development departments report fewer disruptions and faster workflows—making routines like coordinating the 40 school buses possible each day. “Tasks that once took extra time are now completed faster, thanks to the seamless connectivity,” said one staff member. Another noted, “Since you moved us over to the new tower… we have not had any internet issues!”
The new infrastructure also supports training and remote learning for post-secondary students and social assistance clients. “They’re able to do video connections now for sessions,” said Misty Jimmy, Chief Operating Officer of OLGCC. “If they’re not able to attend in person that day, they can still participate.”
Onion Lake used this opportunity to build local capacity for network servicing and is able to resell SaskTel services at sliding scale rates so everyone can afford to be online. The project’s success has sparked demand from other buildings and subdivisions eager to connect. While the cost of expanding fibre remains a challenge, Onion Lake Net is exploring additional grants and partnerships to continue the work. “We’re hoping to connect three more buildings next,” said Jimmy. “And we’re reminding leadership that connectivity is just as essential as water and power.”
Looking ahead, the community plans to sustain the network through revenue from Onion Lake Net and prioritize connectivity in future infrastructure planning. Said Jimmy, “It wasn’t about our companies making money; it was about being able to provide a better service to our community—and that’s huge. We were able to have individuals trained and skilled enough to take on the majority of the project locally. That’s the proud moment—that we were able to do this ourselves.”
Related links
- Online Lake Cree Nation: https://www.onionlake.ca/
