
Copper theft shut down internet for some Bell users in southwest N.B.
CBC
Bell Media says stolen copper cable caused an internet outage for almost 200 people in three southwestern N.B. communities.
A spokesperson for Bell Media said in an email that 187 internet customers Durham Bridge, South Portage and Fredericton were affected by the outage, which was expected to be resolved by 5 p.m. AT Sunday.
The outages began in Durham Bridge and South Portage around 11 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. Sunday for Fredericton.
Bell reported a 40 per cent increase in copper thefts in 2025, with 1,275 incidents reported across Canada.
The utility said it does note believe there are any issues with landline service.
The spokesperson said Bell is trying to reduce the number of copper thefts by installing alarms that alert police when infrastructure is tampered with, using additional security and surveillance measures, and pursuing legal action against offenders.
"We also encourage residents to report any suspicious activity near telecommunications infrastructure to local police," the statement said. "Community awareness plays an important role in preventing future incidents."
In January, a kilometre’s worth of Bell’s copper cable was stolen from the southern New Brunswick community of Welsford, leaving people unable to access cellular data or landlines.
At the time, police confirmed that three people were charged in provincial court for possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Alberta Crown corporation study finds Red Deer OD prevention site closure didn’t lead to more deaths
New research by a Crown corporation created by Alberta’s UCP government has found that last year’s closure of Red Deer’s only overdose prevention site did not lead to an increase in overdose deaths, emergency department visits or ambulance calls among former site users.












