A telecommunications tower that would improve cellphone service in Willow Point has been pitched for the Sportsplex property.
A company that works with TELUS is looking to swap out the existing 25-metre field light for a 30-metre light pole with nine antennas and an equipment shelter on the ground at 1800 Alder St. South.
A City of Campbell River staff report says the company has fulfilled the exclusion criteria since the nearest residential area is roughly 110 metres to the west of the site. This means public consultation isn't necessary as per Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada.
While it is the federal government's decision to move ahead with the telecommunication tower and the city's approval is not required, the consultation policy still says the city must agree to any telecommunication tower plans.
During a city council meeting on June 26, council voted in favour of the proposal in principle for the siting and design work.
The city does not have a siting policy or bylaw for telecommunication towers, but it is in the process of drafting a policy, with the aim of finalizing it this year.
