Please note, we are currently experiencing a postal service disruption which is affecting deliveries to and from Saddle Hills County. If you are expecting mail from us, such as a cheque or utility bill, you can request to collect this from the County office. Please reach out to us at (780) 864-3760.
Please note, a 6% penalty was applied to outstanding 2024 property taxes, on November 1, 2024. Payments can be made online through most financial institutions or by visiting us at the office. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and cheques.
Please note, Saddle Hills County will be holding a by-election for Ward 5 on Monday, November 25, 2024.
An Advance Vote took place on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Saddle Hills County has partnered with Canadian Fiber Optics Corp. and Northern Lights Fiber, the Government of Alberta, and the Government of Canada on Project Aurora to bring high-speed fiber internet to Saddle Hills County, with no cost hook-ups. The project will make Saddle Hills County the most connected rural municipality in Canada.
Who are Canadian Fiber Optics?
This local, Peace Country business has gone from strength to strength, from an idea at the kitchen table in the County of Grande Prairie to thousands of km of fiber later and now offering the fastest rural internet in Canada. Connecting rural Albertan communities to state-of-the-art fiber internet so that they can access all the resources and compete on the global stage is the goal. Homegrown, compassionate, and courageous they have competed with the big names to hopefully make a difference that will last generations.
They are the largest fiber telecommunications construction company in Western Canada, with an in-house construction team and fleet, currently serving residents, businesses, and industry in parts of the County of Grande Prairie, MD of Greenview, Grande Cache, Wembley, Valleyview, High Prairie, Beaverlodge, Fairview, Sexsmith, Grimshaw, to name a few.
What is Fiber?
Fiber is small strands of glass cables, each about a tenth of the size of a single human hair. Every strand transmits dada using pulses of light that travel at speeds approaching the speed of light.
No matter how fast future internet speeds get, fiber will always be at the forefront of internet technology. It has unlimited potential with thousands of times more bandwidth than copper, wireless, or satellite and greater reliability. Fiber is durable enough to lay on ocean floors and suffers no risk of compromise due to temperature changes or electromagnetic fields.
This proven technology has been the backbone of communication since the beginning of the web, enabling instant communication across the world. As well as being far less susceptible to hacking than all other telecommunications mediums it also offers equal upload and download speeds.
What's special about Canadian Fiber Optics and Northern Lights Fiber?
20.9 Mbps is the median download speed in rural areas of Canada.
2.2 Mbps is the median upload speed.
For a 25/3 Mbps plan in rural Alberta, residents pay, on average, $92 per month.
Canadian Fiber Optics offers 1,000-10,000 Mbps download and upload speed to Enterprise Customers, while Northern Lights Fiber offers 100 - 2,500 Mbps speeds to residential and business customers. For a 100/100 Mbps plan in rural Alberta, residents pay $89 with no data caps.
All their customer service is local. No calling overseas and waiting on hold if you have a problem, their local representatives are available around the clock to answer your questions and provide assistance.
Internet usage is no issue, and you are even encouraged to use the internet as much and as often as you want.
Do you want Fiber Internet?
Fill out a Fiber Access Agreement today to ensure that you are on the list. A representative with Northern Lights Fiber will be in touch to discuss next steps.
Where can I get more Information about Service with Northern Lights Fiber?
Call 1-888-236-2947
Check out Facebook for updates: Northern Lights Fiber - Project Aurora
Reference the Experience Book, a copy of which has also been mailed to your home.
Visit www.northernlightsfiber.ca to learn more about Northern Lights Fiber and their services.
Northern Lights Fiber was co-founded by Grande Prairie residents Jodi and Arjen Bloomer-Kaput with the goal of offering families, businesses, and industry the best internet in the market, that is 'Made in Alberta' by a great team who deeply cares about our customers and our communities.
The digital divide is the difference between the connectivity that urban centres and their residents enjoy, compared to the lack of connectivity and quality internet that is seen in rural areas. Northern Lights Fiber are closing this gap permanently. They are going far beyond the 50 mbps/10 mbps speeds as the standard is set today and bringing residents 10,000 mbps enabled infrastructure for your home and business! To do this they are building brand new networks/infrastructure for your area and connecting your home to world class fiber optics. They will be building this in the ground and past your home or business.
Why is Fiber Internet and WiFi so much Better than Satellite, Wireless, or Copper?
Fiber internet has virtually no limit on speed or capacity. This means that when Northern Lights Fiber sells you a 1000 mbps package, you will GET 1000 mbps. Plain and simple.
Because of the abundance of speed and capacity and the near limitless potential to increase speeds and capacity of fiber, Northern Lights Fiber won't need to upgrade, rebuild, or reinvest in new fiber infrastructure for many generations. This means that what is built and installed to many homes will still service and vastly outperform any service, even decades down the line. This is truly a one-and-done upgrade that will solve your connectivity needs once and for all.
Northern Lights Fiber have also invested in the best WiFi hardware for your home that the industry has to offer, so your WiFi is as good as your fiber internet that powers it. You can connect over 250 devices to just one router!
What is a FAR and why is it Important to Sign a FAR?
By signing a Fiber Access Request (FAR), you give Northern Lights Fiber permission to build fiber internet lines to your home - with no obligation to take Northern Lights Fiber services after the network construction is completed to your home. However, once you have fiber lines built through Northern Lights Fiber, you can sign up anytime and access fiber internet when you're ready!
Sign up online today to ensure you are included: Fiber Access Request (FAR)
How can I find out about Construction Progress?
Construction is already taking place, but there is lots of work ahead. You can follow Northern Lights Fiber - Project Aurora on Facebook or reach out to the Customer Service Team with any questions.
Are there any Construction Costs?
Northern Lights Fiber will not charge construction for anyone in Saddle Hills County that is within the scope of the project. You can submit a Fiber Access Agreement (FAR) which allows Northern Lights Fiber to build you free fiber infrastructure to your home for now or future use.
How will the Fiber be Brought to my House?
If you sign a Fiber Access Agreement (FAR), during the construction process Northern Lights Fiber will need to bury this new infrastructure to your home. This is called 'The Drop'. If you decide to sign up for services, a small box will also be installed on the side of your house, called a Network Interface Device (NID). The NID allows the line to be cleanly and securely installed into your home.
Having fiber infrastructure will future proof your home for generations to come, and while cities already have this infrastructure, it's extremely rare for rural communities in Canada to have this new fiber infrastructure.
This will not only be good for your household and local businesses, but real estate studies strongly suggest the increase of property values when this infrastructure is installed to your home.
What are these Flags? How long do they have to be in the Ground?
The flags on your lawn are to mark out important infrastructure that already exists in utility rights-of-way as well as anything going up to your home itself. The flags are there so construction crews know where not to dig. This ensures that Northern Lights Fiber can avoid accidents and dangerous situations for crews due to striking unknown utilities like gas and electrical lines with equipment. It is critical that these are not removed or moved as they are imperative to the safety of crews and your property!
For more information on this process, please reference the Experience Booklet, which has more detailed information.
What Products is Northern Lights Fiber using to Connect my Home? Are they made for our Environment?
Northern Lights Fiber are proud to source Albertan, Canadian, and North American products whenever possible. Their products are engineered and specified for networking in northern Canadian climates to ensure longevity and reliability expectations are met.
How will Northern Lights Fiber Build the Network in my Community?
Northern Lights Fiber use various methods and pieces of equipment when building the network. These range from large hydrovac trucks, to specialized tools such as directional drills, vibratory plows, and even some hand digging by crews. Each of these aspects are part of how they dig and bury infrastructure, feet below the ground for thousands of kilometers all across northern Alberta. For more information, please see the construction section in the Experience Booklet and check out the detailed construction process steps!
What About Post-Construction Restoration?
When construction is finished, Northern Lights Fiber always return affected areas to as close to original form as possible. They are not purposefully making a mess, but this is a big infrastructure project to update broadband infrastructure. Crews will backfill with soil, seed and water grassed areas, and patch any asphalt or driveway damage that may possibly occur. It's very important to Northern Lights Fiber that this work is done right and done well. They will always do their best to make as little physical impact as possible!
If you have any concerns or want to report any activity, please email construction@canadianfiberoptics.ca
For urgent situations please call the Customer Service Centre, otherwise please allow up to for 5 working days for a response.
Is the Box or Pedestal on the Utility Easement or Right-of-Way?
Yes. Northern Lights Fiber only place pubic serving infrastructure in the public right-of-way. This infrastructure is required to serve entire communities. Any infrastructure needed to connect your individual home or business is done by submitting a Fiber Access Agreement (FAR) or contacting Sales.
How do I Sign Up for Services?
Visit www.northernlightsfiber.ca/#Residential if you would like to sign up for services to your home. You can also submit a Fiber Access Agreement (FAR) to request service.
Is this more Expensive than the Internet we are Paying for Already?
No. Northern Lights Fiber fastest and best 1000 mbps service package ($139/month) is less expensive than Starlink ($150/month) and it is many times faster on both the upload and download speeds. It is also much more reliable and will see less interruptions and general downtime. There is an even larger gap between Northern Lights Fiber services and other wireless or copper-based internet services. With Northern Lights Fiber packages, they deliver a superior experience and internet service that works very well and can support as much usage and technology as you wish to connect. The best part is they are a locally grown and operated company that supports you with local techs and staff. When you need them, they are easily reachable and available to help you!
What are the Prices for Service?
Northern Lights Fiber offer three standard fiber internet speed packages which all include:
Aurora 100 - $89/month (up to 120 mbps download and upload)
Aurora 500 - $1199/month (up to 520 mbps download and upload)
Aurora 1000 - $139/month (up to 1000 mbps download and upload)
What Other Services do Northern Lights Fiber Offer?
In addition to really fast internet, they also provide:
The WiFi6 Mesh Extender is only $9.99 per month. If you're unsure if it's needed, Northern Lights Fiber can always make an assessment when they're at your home during installation. They also have bundles that include the use of mesh extenders and additional features at a great price. Check out www.northernlightsfiber.ca/#Residential
Can I use my Existing Equipment?
Yes, but this is not recommended as it's very hard for Northern Lights Fiber to service and troubleshoot services. Any additional services would require Northern Lights Fiber WiFi equipment be used.
No. If you commit to two years your router is provided to you for free. The WiFi is state-of-the-art WiFi6 technology and can connect 250 devices at one time!
Yes. Fiber internet empowers seniors by providing fast, reliable connectivity that enhances their online experiences, fosters social connections, and improves their overall quality of life and independence, while also supporting their healthcare and information needs.
Northern Lights Fiber have Alberta's best seniors plan. Their discounted Seniors Package is only $70/month and includes a number of great features:
Is there Actually Unlimited Internet?
Yes. There are no data caps, speed throttling, or overall charges ever. Check out www.northernlightsfiber.ca/#Residential for more information on packages and service.
What if I Cannot Commit to Two Years of Service?
Month-to-month contracts are available, if needed. Although you will pay more monthly overall and a hardware cost up front.
If you're planning on moving within the same area, your service can move with you, free of charge, or you can transfer your fiber services to the next person who will live in or own your home, also free of charge. Call 1-888-236-2947 for more information on month-to-month services.
How will I know when to Expect Installation?
Once construction past your house and splicing (connecting of the fibers) is complete, you will hear from someone 2-3 weeks beforehand to book installation. Sometimes this can be faster, depending on crews schedules.
How long will Installation take?
The average installation will take about two hours, although this can sometimes be longer if needed. The Customer Service representative booking the installation will be able to answer any questions.
If I sign up Before Installation, will I Start Paying Before I have my Service?
No. You will not pay until you receive service.
You are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to help Northern Lights Fiber know where services are needed for the installation plans.
Will this Interfere with my Access to TV?
It would not interfere with any satellite TV.
Fiber internet would give residents the option to “cut the cord” or “cut the dish” – and save significant money by subscribing to OTT (over the top) systems like Netflix, Amazon, Disney+ etc.
It’s important to note that for those that still like the evening news and sports, they can still buy cable/satellite, but these channels are now available on OTT also.
This is not 5G technology. This is a physical connection. And if people choose, they can turn off the WiFi (wireless) connection inside their homes, and connect their computer direct to the router provided.
More Information:
Contact Us
Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca
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