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Update: Telus removes dangerous utility pole following complaint

Telus initially tells resident it has to pay for pole removal.
Graeme Wood

Richmond resident Gary Watson has a head scratcher for everyone.

Near his home, in the 8300-block of Garden City Road there is a new utility pole, which was replaced about one and a half years ago. At that time, the original pole was left in place so the various wires could be relocated to the new pole.  

As Watson, explains, the top and bottom of the original pole were removed and it was then fastened to the new pole with metal brackets. Then, for some reason, a four-by-four spar was attached to the original pole, to reach the sidewalk. 

"It has now been at least eight months since last being “worked on.” This abomination extends out onto the sidewalk… enough so that someone actually fastened an orange pylon to the extending bolt to warn pedestrians to be careful," wrote Watson to the Richmond News Friday.

Watson took action but has since found himself in a bureaucratic dark hole.

"Upon contacting the City of Richmond, I was told that it would have to be BC Hydro to undertake this task. I reported the situation to BC Hydro two months ago, and nothing has been done. Today I again spoke with Hydro. They advised me that the last Utility to remove their equipment from the pole had to take care of the pole removal. I contacted Telus. They advise me that they can send someone out to look at the situation, but if they have to remove it, they might have to CHARGE ME for this removal," said Watson.

Watson called the process and Telus' ultimatum "absurd."

"What do we (residents and taxpayers) have to do to have bureaucratic monopolies start acting responsibly?"

UPDATE: The News inquired with Telus and within two days the pole was removed, free of charge. Here is Telus' response from its communications department.

"Telus removed the pole first thing this morning. The issue was one of human error. The pole should have been removed some time ago, and when Mr. Walton called in the agent should have arranged for its immediate removal. We’ve apologized to Mr. Walton, and appreciate him bringing this to our attention so it could be addressed."