Poor internet and cellular services at Apex Mountain Resort have one resident petitioning to Telus Communications and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) to improve service in the area.
The petition, started by Anne Terebka, has received more than 200 signatures since it was started yesterday (Jan. 28).
According to the petition, cellular services at Apex and on Green Mountain Road have become overloaded as people stay home and opt for local recreational activities.
“Residents and small business owners of Apex and Green Mountain Road are anxious to expand economic opportunities in a time where everyone is struggling make ends meet,” Terebka writes in the petition.
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“Limited telecommunications systems is one of the main factors limiting growth. Apex boasts fabulous restaurants, an outdoor hockey rink, forested skating loop, hotel, general store, fire department, ski shop, and other amenities in addition to competitive winter sport courses. As travel restrictions are causing citizens to stay local, or stay home to work, internet and cellular services are overloading or are simply not available.”
Improving communication systems in the area would not only improve economic opportunity and growth but would also make the area safer, the petition states.
Citizens often face safety concerns where cell service is limited on the road to the resort, as response for medical help is dependent on others stopping to help when accidents occur.
“There are many locations along the roads where a good Samaritan may not notice a car off the road. The recent political and health climate is also causing the year-round residents to work from home and the overload on the current system is just adding fuel to an already raging fire,” reads the petition.
“The residents of Apex Mountain Resort, Apex Mountain Road and Green Mountain Road are calling on government officials and telecommunications companies to expedite services to this area to help accommodate the economic growth and safety of the people who live here.”
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jesse.day@pentictonwesternnews.com
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