Pursue some Government Grants? (Score 1)

I'm not familiar with the Canadian Government's Grant system, but I know the US has government grants ranging in millions of dollars to assist rural communities. Being an educational entity may also help in getting additional funding. Also, asking all the 'Industry' corporations wouldn't hurt as some of them might actually donate equipment and services to help communities. They loved those big tax write-offs, especially the chance to plaster their logos and trademarks all over the place.