There's growing concern on Pelee Island over 911 malfunctions as the busy summer season approaches.
Mayor Rick Masse says it has been frustrating to have 911 down three or four times in the last several weeks.
If this continues any longer, Masse says he's worried the issue could put people at risk. "When our cottagers start coming back, which is going to start right about now, and as the season progresses where we may have 900 to 1,000 people in our community -- it may be a different story," says Masse.
On Monday when 911 was down for a brief time, an alternate number was sent out for residents to use. Masse says the message gets out to regular residents very quickly, but it may not be the same for visitors. "It makes it more difficult to ensure that everybody is notified when 911 is not working," says Masse. "(Visitors) may not get that message and it becomes more of a concern."
Masse says Bell Canada, which provides phone service to the island, hasn't reached out to him. Bell Canada says the distruption was caused by "adverse weather conditions" affecting microwave connections. Bell spokesperson Jason Laszlo says they're working towards possible enhancements.
"They need to fix this," Masse says. "It will become a major issue."
