There is no cell coverage north of Kootenay Lake where several communities were evacuated last summer due to wildfires
In July, as wildfires began to approach several Kootenay communities, Aimee Watson realized phone lines were failing.
Several days later service began to return for some residents, but that week the communities of Argenta and Johnsons Landing were forced to evacuate. Watson said one solution is the installation of a cell tower, but she's been told by Telus that there's no business case to be made for that work in an area with a population of just 1,462 .
Watson said BC Hydro has increased its vegetation removal program for the area, which removes trees that could possible damage power lines. The RDCK has also funded a program run by the Lardeau Valley Opportunity LINKS Society that provides a free home assessment similar to FireSmart but for power backup and renewable energy options.
When an evacuation event occurs, Watson said residents can sometimes see it coming in advance or will be notified by neighbours and emergency services. But a working telecommunication system is also needed for individual health needs. Seniors and other vulnerable people who rely on landlines are at risk if the power is out.
In that time, Schell said residents may be missing important calls from their doctor, their neighbours or local schools. “It’s a fairly big problem."
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