Dryden Council is supporting a resolution drafted by the Township of Emo calling on the provincial government to “swiftly and aggressively” close the gap in cell coverage along Highway 502.
The resolution asks the government to work with area mobility providers and key stakeholders to develop the infrastructure needed to cover the entire length of the highway.
Michelle Price, who is also a local business owner, says there is no harm in voicing their support.
“There’s good reason to try and get better coverage throughout that area. Every day I have suppliers that do that route on a monthly basis. One in particular has hit a deer twice and no cell coverage and having to sit by the road and wait.”
Mayor Greg Wilson says “There are some dead spots on a number of sections on that highway and if you have accidents and people are calling for an ambulance, just for that safety perspective it’s something that could be very helpful in situations like that.”
The resolution is being sent to Minister of Northern Development Greg Rickford, Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott as well as the CEO’s of Tbaytel and Bell Canada.
Wednesday the province announced $150-million will be spent to improve cellular and broadband service in rural, remote and underserviced areas of the province.
