On this page
Bell is slowing down its expansion of pure fibre internet service to homes and businesses in Guelph.
- As a result of a CRTC decision, Bell has decided to slow its fibre network upgrades within the city of Guelph.
- Bell will finish underground upgrades to neighbourhoods that were started in 2023.
- Bell will also finish two aerial network upgrades in 2024. These are less intrusive than the underground work.
- Bell will continue to clean up and repair boulevard areas that were not completed in 2023.
City’s role
The City of Guelph and Bell have a signed Municipal Access Agreement. It outlines the terms and conditions for Bell to build, maintain, and operate its infrastructure in the City’s rights-of-way. Currently, utility coordination manages the following parties:
- Bell Canada
- Rogers
- Hydro-One telecom
- Enbridge Gas
- Alectra Utilities
- Internet Access Solutions
Impact to residents
This work does not require accessing residents’ homes. The work is planned within the municipal right-of-way. This includes the boulevard and sidewalk areas. If there is a need for work beyond that, Bell will contact residents directly.
There should be no internet service disruptions during construction.
Please be assured that Bell will return neighborhoods to their pre-construction state as soon as weather permits.
There are no plans to remove trees during this work.
Frequently asked questions
How were residents told about this project?
Bell issued letters and door knockers/postcards to individual properties. In addition, Bell issued a media release that the City shared on its website and social media channels. The City also posted information on guelph.ca.
Who do I call if I have questions about this work?
The City of Guelph cannot answer customer service-related questions or complaints about this project. Bell is placing door knockers/postcards on properties 48 hours before construction. Contact numbers are provided on the door knocker/postcard. Residents should contact Telecon, who is working on behalf of Bell, at 1-833-386-8227 or [email protected].
Will I have access to my driveway?
Per Bell, driveways should not be affected. If equipment needs to be set up in front of driveways, Bell will ask for permission before construction begins.
Why is Bell digging up my yard without permission? Do they have to dig so many holes?
Bell left door knockers/postcards on individual properties to let them know in advance about the work. Bell is installing its cabling on the City’s/municipal right-of-way. Please keep in mind that most residential properties in Guelph are set back from the curb or sidewalk, and the portion of the boulevard in front of the house is City/municipal land. This is not private property.
Bell does have to dig a determined number of holes to get the work down, however, Bell will return neighbourhoods and properties to their original state as soon as weather permits.
Who is going to fix up the grass and sidewalks/driveways?
When the work is complete, and when the weather permits, Bell’s contractor will clean up disturbed areas with (150mm) of topsoil and grass seed in all residential areas. When at least six months have passed after the work is complete, the City will bring in a contractor to permanently repair hard surfaces such as sidewalks, curbs, driveways, and any road excavations. Bell will pay for all these costs.
I am not happy with the way my property was restored. Who do I call?
If you are unsatisfied with the way Bell and their contractor restored your property after the work is finished, please contact Telecon, who is working on behalf of Bell, at 1-833-386-8227 or [email protected].
Can I remove all the flags Bell placed on the street/property?
No. The flags are a regulatory safety requirement to help the contractor avoid damaging what’s already underground. The flags help them mark where gas mains and electrical connects are located so they don’t hit them. The contractor will remove them when the work is complete.
Will I have access to my business?
Yes. Bell states that if access to a business is affected, the contractor will reach out before starting work to discuss any potential impacts.
Will customers be able to access my business?
Yes. Bell states that if any circumstances arise where entry to a business is affected, the contractor will reach out in advance to discuss potential impacts.
How long will it take to do the work on my property?
Bell states that access to residents’ homes is not required. The work is planned within the municipal right-of-way, including the boulevard and sidewalk areas. If there is a need for work beyond that, Bell will contact the resident.
Once Bell completes the work, Bell will return neighbourhoods and properties to the way they were before construction began as soon as weather permits.
Will I lose internet service during construction?
Bell states it is unlikely that communication services will be affected by the construction work. Please contact your (internet) communication service provider to report any issues if they do occur, as soon as possible so they can be addressed.