Telus has cancelled its plans to remove the phone booth in Hayes Creek.

A representative of the company told the Spotlight Monday that after looking into the matter Telus will go into a different direction.

害羞草研究所淎fter careful consideration and receiving feedback from the community of Hayes Creek,害羞草研究所� said company representative Lena Chen.

害羞草研究所淭elus will not be removing the payphone located at Three Lakes General Store.

害羞草研究所淚t will remain in service as we continue to explore other options to provide wireless connectivity in the area.害羞草研究所�

Residents of the area learned that Telus planned to remove the phone on Dec. 12 when a sign was posted on the phone booth earlier this month.

Cindy Gamache, Hayes Creek fire chief, expressed relief.

害羞草研究所淭his is great news. I feel this was from our great community emailing Telus, letting them know how important this telephone booth is,害羞草研究所� Gamache said.

害羞草研究所淭hank you Telus and Hayes Creek community for making a difference.害羞草研究所�

The phone booth is a critical means of communication, said Gamache, as there is no cell service for much of the region.

With three campgrounds in the vicinity, visitors can rely on the phone in case of an emergency.

Late last year, when Cranbrook lost its last payphone 害羞草研究所� leaving the Kootenays with just four remaining in various locations 害羞草研究所� Black Press was told by a Telus representative that the few remaining pay phones in Western Canada would also be retired.

In 2022, Global reported there were 800 pay phones remaining in B.C.