Some residents in Campbell River’s Willow Point neighbourhood should be getting better cell coverage in the future.
A company for Telus plans to replace an existing 25-meter light pole in Willow Point Park near the tennis courts with one five meters taller.
The new pole on the 36-acre Sportsplex property at 1800 Alder Street South will also have nine cellular antennas plus a 6-by-10 equipment shed at the base.
A city staff report says the proposal meets exclusion criteria where public consultation is not needed.
City council agreed Thursday night (June 26) to the proposal in principle for the siting and design work.
The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada doesn’t need the city’s approval to move forward.
The city doesn’t have a telecommunications policy but intends to have one drafted later this year. “This policy would allow the City to manage the process of identifying its concerns, as well as the residents it represents, regarding antenna installations,” the report said.
If approved by ISED, it’s not clear when the cell tower will be installed.
