Residents in an East York neighbourhood of Toronto are calling for increased safety protocols and stricter enforcement after repeated incidents involving trucks colliding with telecommunications lines.

Bricks Fall From Home

Earlier this month, approximately 400 kilograms of bricks fell from the facade of Laura Faye’s home on Dentonia Park Avenue, causing substantial damage to her roof and walkway. Faye stated this was not an isolated event, as similar incidents have occurred on her street previously.

Determining Responsibility

Faye is now facing the challenge of determining who will cover the costs of the necessary repairs. The city acknowledges concerns about low-hanging cables, but clarifies that the lines are not owned by the municipality.

The truck company involved asserts the cables were too low, while Rogers and Bell maintain they adhere to federal height standards. Toronto Hydro, which owns the poles, is the entity the city directs cable-related issues to.

City Contractor Involved

The incident involved a truck contracted by the city’s forestry division, and video footage shows the bricks collapsing immediately after the cable was struck. Faye has contacted Bell, Rogers, the city, and the contractor, but reports each party is deflecting blame.

Federal Standards and Truck Height

Federal standards require telecommunication lines crossing roadways to be at least 4.2 metres above ground. The truck involved in the incident was approximately 3.7 metres tall, leading the company to claim contact would not have occurred with proper infrastructure maintenance.

Rogers repaired the damaged cable within 48 hours but did not directly confirm their cable caused the brick collapse.

Recurring Safety Concerns

Another resident, Etna Rodriguez, experienced a similar incident in 2024 when a Toronto Hydro-contracted truck pulled down siding from her home. This highlights a broader safety concern for the neighbourhood, particularly for children playing outdoors.

Residents are urging for a comprehensive solution to prevent future incidents and ensure accountability for these recurring safety risks.