Project Aurora Update

Since construction began on July 14, crews have been working throughout much of the County, installing underground infrastructure that will form the foundation of the new fiber-optic network.

Between July 14 and November 5, 2026, crews completed:

• 536 kilometers of underground conduit installed.
• 1,362 directional drilling shots completed.
• 22 kilometers of fiber-optic cable installed within the conduit.

With much of the underground conduit now in place, the next phase of construction will focus on completing the remaining drilling, particularly at road and other infrastructure crossings. Once drilling is complete, crews will continue installing fiber-optic cable through the underground conduit using compressed air, a process known as fiber jetting.

The final stage involves fusion splicing, a specialized process that joins individual strands of fiber-optic cable to create a continuous network capable of transmitting high-speed internet signals. Once these steps are complete, the project can move toward connecting homes and businesses throughout the service area.

Project Aurora represents a significant investment in Saddle Hills County's digital infrastructure, helping improve connectivity for residents, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

With another productive construction season behind it, Project Aurora continues to move Saddle Hills County closer to becoming one of Alberta's most connected rural municipalities.