Weekly newsletter: March 28, 2023
Spring is here, which means Bell Fibe installation - sometimes called fibre to the home (FTTH) - will resume in the community.
Homes that are affected will receive door hanger notices 30 and 10 days prior to the start of work. These notices will also ask residents to identify sprinkler system elements. After the 30-day notice, utility locates will be done. If you need to temporarily remove the flags to cut your grass, please ensure the flags are returned to their original location.
Crew washroom facilities are legally required at construction sites, so you can expect to see a temporary portable toilet installed in/near the work zone. The location for these are based on what's least obstructive to work and the flow of general traffic.
The first round of installation will begin/end any time between March 28th and April 28th, 2023 on Fieldgate drive and Wolfgang drive.
How is it done?
At most locations, installation is done by directional bore at two to three feet deep. A conduit is hooked to the bore and then fibre is blown in. Sometimes, this process can push up rocks underground and create bumps at the surface (driveways, lawns, etc.).
Trenches of about four inches wide are legally required where lines cross or are near other utilities for visual confirmation of safe passage. Backfilling is usually completed within 24 hours, although crews may need to wait longer for asphalt in some cases.
The location for boring and trenching is determined in the project design phase. However, where trenching crews encounter concrete or stamped driveways, the fibre will be bored as a courtesy to those homeowners, except if crossing another utility line.
Keep in mind that work is confined to the city's right of way. As always, residents are advised against building and/or gardening within the right of way, as utilities have a right of access to build, maintain, and repair their infrastructure. Please do not obstruct work crews.
Do you need to purchase Bell Fibe?
You can expect that Bell will canvass affected residents to see if they would like the cable connected to their home and if they would like to purchase Bell Fibe services. There is NO obligation to agree to either. If you agree to a connection, there is no obligation to purchase Fibe services.
If you do decide to decline connection, the cable will end in an underground box installed flush to the ground. Later, the connection can be requested and Bell will complete at no extra cost to you or a future resident.
Last year, some residents were provided incorrect and misleading information about obligations to connect and purchase the service due to poor training and communications. Bell acknowledged this and will ensure this doesn't happen again.
What happens after?
Upon completion, crews will restore cuts and trenches to city specifications. Restoration may not exactly match the rest of the asphalt (nature of material) or lawn (different types of grass); Interlocking will be reinstalled, but garden restoration is not required of the contractor.
Most restoration work is usually completed by the end of next work day, although crews may need to wait for asphalt sometimes. Reseeding may also be delayed to the spring for projects near the end of the year.
Bell and its contractors have stated their commitment to act in good faith during the project. Project contractor contact information is posted on signs at work sites. All restoration works are guaranteed by a two-year warranty.
If at any time, you have questions or concerns, or would like to report damages caused by the work, don’t hesitate to email my office or by call us at 613-580-2846. Concerns requiring immediate attention should be shared with 3-1-1.
-Wilson