Case Study
FlexNetworks CTI & CRTC Broadband Fund Projects
Location Regina to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Project Cost $30M
Scope
The Connect to Innovate (CTI) and Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications (CRTC) Broadband Fund programs are government-led initiatives to assist in bringing high-speed internet to underserved communities. FlexNetworks was awarded more than $26 million in funding from the Government of Canada as part of these programs.
Primary played a crucial role in the installation of the fibre-optic cable network. We assisted with the initial funding applications to the federal government, provided detailed design and permitting services, and coordinated materials and project management support for more than 1000 km of network. The scope of our work encompassed 27 railway crossings, 28 pipeline crossings, and two river valley crossings, demonstrating our ability to manage complex projects with precision and efficiency.
| Challenges | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Two large river crossings across the South Saskatchewan River, at Muskoday and One Arrow | The Muskoday First Nation crossing of the South Saskatchewan River was executed during the winter season, enabling the drill head to be tracked on foot across the frozen river. The conduit was placed with adequate clearance below the riverbed, preventing any adverse impact on aquatic life. The One Arrow First Nation crossing of the South Saskatchewan River featured sandy terrain with large boulders. The steep northwest riverbank required two separate bores, with a junction at the bottom of the valley. Close liaison with the Ministry of the Environment and local landowners was required to access this remote and fragile area on the riverbank. |
| Material Shortages | The supply shortages on fibre optic cable necessitated several redesigns of the project’s sections based on the limited material available. |
| A total of 27 railway crossings in the project area | To manage the anticipated workload in the relevant areas, Primary collaborated with Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway to ensure they had adequate resources in place to deal with a sudden influx of applications. |
| Local municipality approvals | Many small towns required a heightened level of reassurance before approving construction. To achieve this, we felt it necessary to take the time and effort to educate, explain, and guarantee that RMS and small towns were comfortable with the project before giving their approval. |
“Primary Engineering and Construction was a vital part of FlexNetworks’ successful rollout of over 1000 km of backbone fibre-optic build through Saskatchewan. From their initial assistance with the funding applications, through to their project management, engineering and permitting services, their input was essential to achieving our objectives. Our partners at Primary demonstrated total commitment to our goal to provide world-class connectivity to small rural communities in Saskatchewan.
I lost count of the number of times the staff at Primary went above and beyond to assist us with achieving our aggressive deadlines. Their customer service and the quality of their services are second to none. They are an example of what it means to truly partner with another organization in confidence.”
FlexNetworks’ Executive Vice President Jacques Taillefer
The Result
The fibre route runs from downtown Prince Albert to Saskatoon to Regina via 61 underserved communities throughout rural Saskatchewan. This state-of-the-art fibre-optic cable network delivers 10 Gbps of reliable high-speed internet service to meet the needs of small businesses, communities, and families in rural and remote areas.
Takeaways
Despite several challenges, the project was completed on schedule in just 3.5 years. The team identified challenges and developed innovative solutions ahead of an aggressive roll-out schedule, all while navigating through unprecedented supply chain issues and the turmoil of the global pandemic. As a result, homes along the project’s route, previously limited to copper or wireless-backed services, now receive world-class FTTH (fibre to the home) internet solutions.
This development has enabled residents to live, work, and study more effectively from their homes, especially when virtual connectivity is more critical than ever. The successful completion of this project has not only improved the quality of life for the connected communities but also showcased the team’s exceptional project management skills in the face of adversity.
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