HILLSBURGH – Rogers Communications Inc. plans to install a telecommunication tower near Hillsburgh to expand network coverage.
The proposal was brought to Erin council on June 13.
The location of the guyed tower is 6113 Trafalgar Road, and it will be 70 metres in height – including antennas, a lighting rod and an obstruction light.
Guyed towers are thin vertical structures that depend on three guy lines for stability and safety. They have a life expectancy of 75 to 100 years.
“The applicant is seeking a location that minimizes the impact on the community, while still enabling them to expand wireless coverage in the town,” deputy clerk Justin Grainger told council.
The location will also provide “reliable” communication services in the area for EMS response, police and fire.
Mayor Michael Dehn questioned why this specific tower was chosen.
Rogers’ public and municipal relations coordinator Victoria McKay told council the location offered two options – a self-support tower or a guyed tower.
“Those are the types of towers Rogers can build in order to get the required height,” McKay added.
She explained the proposed tower takes up less farmland, and is more visible due to the “heavy duty” requirements.
The town’s responsibility is to act as a land-use authority, and it will be asked to signify that Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada’s protocol requirements have been met. Requirements include:
– new tower must be necessary, companies are required to share towers when possible;
– companies must submit a plan to the local municipality;
– companies must notify local residents of the upcoming consultation;
– companies must consider the community’s views; and
– once the company and municipality agree, the tower must be built within three years.
A new structure must be built to address the coverage deficiency in the area, stated the Rogers report.
The timing and date of the build is yet to be announced.
Council received the report for information.
