VANCOUVER and GATINEAU — Independent service provider Novus Entertainment is asking the CRTC for help to gain timely access to a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) development in Coquitlam, B.C., and other future MDU developments by Beedie Living and related companies.
A member of the Canadian Communications Systems Alliance (CCSA), Novus provides telephone, TV and Internet services exclusively to residents of MDU buildings, primarily in and around Metro Vancouver, and is looking to expand its business.
The Coquitlam development in question in Novus’ Part 1 application, submitted March 1, is The Heights on Austin, to which Novus says it has so far been unable to negotiate access with the building’s developer, Beedie Living.
Based on its back-and-forth discussions with Beedie’s representative, Novus says it has concluded it will not be granted timely access to The Heights on Austin development without the Commission’s intervention in the matter.
“Notwithstanding Novus’ best efforts to establish a cooperative arrangement with Beedie, there has been no progress made and no real negotiations have ever been commenced. Novus has been denied any opportunity to enter into discussions for conclusion of an agreement and has not been able to commence installation of its facilities during construction in Beedie’s The Heights on Austin MDU development as a result,” reads Novus’ application.
This isn’t the first time Novus has applied to the CRTC for assistance in gaining access to MDU developments in which their competitors have access. The company filed a previous application with the CRTC in October seeking help to get access to a development being built by Polygon Construction Management in Richmond, B.C.
“Please note that Novus does not seek the Commission’s assistance without making considerable effort on its own behalf. Novus regrets having to use the offices of the Commission yet again, but it is obvious in many instances that no other avenue is available. Novus would much prefer to have a cooperative working relationship with a developer from the beginning, but it is not always possible,” Novus writes in its March 1 application.
The deadline to respond to Novus’ most-recent Part 1 application is April 6, 2021.
