CityWest is growing again. Expanding its portfolio of business interests the communication corporation announced on Dec. 7 the acquisition of Evolve Communications, a Vanderhoof-based wireless internet service provider.

“We heard about this company and their business model fit perfectly with what we want to do, which is to provide excellent customer service to underserved and rural areas,” Chris Armstrong, director of marketing, told The Northern View.

“The main benefit to Prince Rupert, is it shows how serious CityWest is to expanding its footprint,” he said.

The purchase will expand CityWest coverage areas to include the towns of Vanderhoof and Fort St. James, as well as their surrounding rural areas.

Evolve Communications was incorporated in 2012 by Ryan Ray, an entrepreneur who grew up in Vanderhoof. Ray will join the CityWest senior management team as director of wireless services, with Evolve Communications running as a subsidiary of the CityWest parent company.

“The ownership has changed, but the same principles of excellence in customer service will continue,” Ray said. “Our customers will see great improvements in their services, thanks to this deal with CityWest.”

“The team at Evolve has the same attitude toward providing customers with the best possible experience at all times and they bring amazing synergies to our business platform,” Stefan Woloszyn, CEO of CityWest, said.