Lac La Biche County officials are warning residents to watch out for sink-holes.
Several online messages have been sent by municipal authorities over the last week to residents, cautioning them to be mindful of deep holes near property lines left during the recent installation of Telus fibre-optic communication lines.
"Do not step into or let children play near water or holes created through the construction process. The depth of sinkages may shift as water conditions change and may be deeper than expected," said a social media posting from the County last week.
Many of the open pits have bright-coloured ribbon tape fenced around them, while others have some plywood covering teh holes. Telus crews have also been trying to block many of the holes in recent weeks.
"TELUS crews are working to fill sinkages with rocks until the snow melts, waters recede and the ground thaws," say County staff, identifying several main areas, but also offering a general caution to all residents. "These areas are most prevalent in the Young’s Beach neighborhood, specifically on Trinity Blvd, but may be present in other areas as well."
The Telus fibre project was made possible after Lac La Biche County councillors voted in favour of spending $6 million to partner with the large communication company. The overall project, says Telus representatives, is estimated at around $12 million. The project, which began last summer, saw fibre lines being installed directly to homes and businesses in urban and some rural neighbourhoods. Even residents not immediately opting to join the Telus plan had fibre lines installed to their homes. Individual service lines were dug across properties from main service lines. Most of the trenching and digging was done last fall and winter. With recent warmer temperatures and a larger-than-expected snowpack, thaw and runoff has exposed and filled many of the trenches.
Call it in
Lac La Biche County officials encourage residents with concerns about the open holes to contact 780-914-5891.
Telus-contracted crews are expected to be back in the area once the snow is gone to restore properties to the original state they were in before the trenches were dug.
