The Regional District of Central Kootenay has voted to engage with Columbia Basin Trust and CityWest to establish a governance framework for regional broadband infrastructure.
The decision follows a letter from the Kaslo infoNet Society (KiN), a long-standing non-profit local internet provider, expressing concerns over the announced sale of Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation’s (CBBC) network to City West Cable and Telephone Corporation.
KiN delivers fibre optic internet directly to homes across Areas A and D, from Boswell on the east shore of Kootenay Lake north to Howser on Duncan Lake. The society’s network relies on CBBC’s “high capacity connection,” which links local infrastructure to the broader internet.
“We wish to express our support for the long-term sustainability of Basin broadband infrastructure, and to request the RDCK’s engagement in ensuring that this transition protects the interests of RDCK communities and the public investment that built this network,” said Isaac Maxfield, KiN’s executive director.
Maxfield said KiN’s main concern is how CityWest has historically operated its network.
“CityWest is not just a network operator – it is a retail internet provider. In every community it has expanded into – Haida Gwaii, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, northern BC – CityWest sells internet service directly to households,” he wrote.
“That is different from how CBBC operated, where community-based providers like KiN handled customer relations while CBBC maintained the network infrastructure.”
The shift matters because many smaller providers in the region depend on CBBC infrastructure to deliver services. Maxfield said plans to expand service in the Slocan Valley using new CBBC fibre are now uncertain.
“And every small community provider in the Basin who depends on CBBC infrastructure will now be buying their essential network connection from a retail competitor,” he explained.
The letter requested that the RDCK formally engage with Columbia Basin Trust and CityWest to establish a binding governance framework before the first phase of the network transfer closes.
KiN asked for protections including fair and transparent pricing, equal treatment during service disruptions, a formal role in decision-making, dispute resolution, and stability during the transition.
Director discussion
During Thursday’s board meeting, directors highlighted the need to protect smaller providers and keep economic benefits within the region.
“I think that the importance of keeping local revenues strong is very much at the heart of my concerns about this. And KiN is not alone in those concerns,” said Area K Director Teresa Weatherhead.
She warned that if revenue is concentrated with a larger provider, it could put smaller operators at risk.
“There is concern that if City West takes the larger piece of the pie and divides the pie into smaller allowances for revenue growing of our local businesses, that it could feasibly bankrupt some of our very, very valuable Internet Service Providers,” Weatherhead said.
Electoral Area A Director Gary Jackman noted that discussions with CityWest are already underway.
“They told us they had already spoken to KiN and every one of the ISPs that they will become partners with, and they will be picking up service agreements as the transition occurs,” he said.
CityWest is expected to attend a future board meeting to answer questions directly. Jackman added that the company has indicated it plans to operate the network similarly to CBBC, though some directors emphasized the need for formal protections rather than relying on assurances.
City of Nelson Director Keith Page said a formal governance structure would help ensure local voices are included.
“I think because we put some of our financial resources towards this building this network, that that is a prudent and necessary ask that we get that kind of shared framework so that when these decisions are made, there is a local body somewhere that would be discussed,” he said.
Directors also stressed the broader value of local providers beyond basic internet service.
“It’s really important that there are local voices on this and that we are advocating for revenue to stay within our own jurisdictions,” Weatherhead said.
The transition of existing CBBC assets to CityWest is expected later this year, with additional infrastructure expected to follow in 2027.
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