Huntsville’s planning committee was asked to give a proposed 45m-tall, lattice tri-pole-style telecommunications tower at 100 Howland Drive its stamp of approval at its June 16 meeting.
The Rogers tower is being proposed at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites property adjacent to its parking lot. According to Rogers representative Leticia Avanse, the 4G LTE tower will also have fibre optics going to it, which will help improve connectivity to Wi-Fi and data along the commercial area, including parts of highways 60 and 11.
Avanse also said collocating on existing towers was not possible due to their height and noted that other carriers interested in collocating on the proposed tower could do so.
While staff was recommending approval, Huntsville Councillor Bob Stone wanted to know whether there would be a light on the tower.
“Personally, I am not prepared to vote in favour of this if we don’t know if there’s going to be a light on it,” said Stone. “It’s not a very nice area for viewing for vistas in that area but the lights on top do shine off the low clouds. The light is the game-changer for me.”
Avanse said she did not think a light would be required as the tower would not be in an airport zone, but Councillor Dan Armour reminded those present that the hospital helipad is nearby.
In the end, committee agreed to give the tower its endorsement if it is not required to be lit. Avanse said Rogers would share that information with the municipality as it becomes available from the federal government.
While the municipality is not the approval agency for such towers, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) does require that proponents consult with the municipality where a tower is being proposed. The federal agency also requires proponents to follow the municipality’s public consultation process, where one exists.
According to planning staff, in 2012 the Town of Huntsville developed such a policy due to the potential for land-use conflicts, impacts on significant views and vistas, and on ecologically sensitive areas because of site development, states a report by planning staff.
The report notes:
“To notify the public of a potential telecommunications tower, the Protocol for Radio and Telecommunications Facilities requires a proponent to:
1. provide written notice of the proposal, to all tenants and property owners within a radius of 6 times the height of the tower, measured from the base of the tower; and
2. hold 2 open houses, one on a Saturday, and to advertise the open houses in the local newspaper, a minimum of 30 days prior to the first open house.
“Although the protocol does not require the proponent to circulate any relevant lake associations, notification of the proposal was provided to both the Fairy Lake Association and the Lake Vernon Association.”
The only comment received was from an area resident who stated: “If this new tower will help provide more data to the area, I strongly support Rogers adding a new tower to the area. Right now, it is near impossible to get any data from my Rogers phone, which hinders my ability to work and my children’s ability to go to school.
“Our property does not have the option of getting internet through traditional means, so cellular data is our only source of data. If possible, I would appreciate receiving updates on the status of this project in the future.”
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
It would be very much appreciated if the cell signal for Rogers network got an upgrade. There are far too many “dead zones” in Muskoka area. We also have an increase in traffic on the network from all the cottagers, visitors, and many people who have been moving here permanently….not to mention the increase in need due to at home schooling and work these days! Love seeing people enjoy their cottages and holidays in Muskoka, but need better access for the locals as well. We run businesses and daily life year round.