Binbrook resident concerned about length of time for Bell to repair damaged utility box

After it took her about an hour to relate her concerns about a damaged utility box in her neighbourhood to two different people at Bell Canada - and being put on hold once more to tell the same thing to a third - Jean Besseling had enough.

I thought, to heck with this," said the Binbrook resident.

Besseling said the utility box on Fall Fair Way near Daw Avenue had been in a state of disrepair - with what appeared to be a rectangular piece of metal and wires protruding from the bottom - for a long while.

I think it's been like that most of the winter," she said. It sure looks messy."

When she spoke to the Glanbrook Gazette on April 6, a few days after she'd called the communications company, Besseling said as far as she could see, nothing had been done to address the issue.

Besseling said she was surprised by the apparent lack of response from the company. When she'd called in around seven years ago about a separate issue, it had been dealt with right away.

This time, though, I don't even think they passed it on, to tell you the truth," she said. I told somebody, and if they don't pass it on, it can't be too big a thing to worry about."

The Gazette reached out to Bell on April 6 to ask about the utility box. The following day, Jacqueline Michelis from Bell's communications department said in an email, Our team has been out to inspect the box and has done a temporary repair. The box will be replaced with a new one once the frost is out of the ground and we have the necessary permits to do the work."

Michelis confirmed that the utility box is for phone and internet lines, but that There is no impact to customers' services."

Residents who wish to report damage to Bell equipment can call 1-844-225-5550 any time; they can also call 1-866-310-BELL (2355) or by chat on Bell.ca.

The Gazette asked twice if Bell wished to provide any comment or response as to the length of time Besseling reported being left on hold; the company did not respond.