Most of us love the capability created but most of us don’t want to see the means for creating that capability. I am referring to smart phones and telecommunication towers a.k.a “cell phone towers.”
Communication facilities are federally regulated; the approval authority is Industry Canada. The Township has established a protocol for such applications which includes requirements for information/plans and public consultation.
The protocol identifies the sites we prefer: in hydro corridors and industrial areas; maximum distance from residential areas; not in areas of topographical prominence to minimize long/short range views. The protocol also encourages innovation in terms of design in order to minimize visual impact.
Even if we had the authority to ban such towers that is not the right answer as these towers play an important role in creating a high caliber robust wireless network which is increasingly critical to promote economic development and to meet the business and safety needs of the travelling public.
As of writing there are two public meetings scheduled, each for different applications to place such towers in King. And Planning Staff has advised that there are an additional 2 applications which have been submitted.
Below is information on the applications and the public meetings. If you have concerns I encourage you to attend and make your concerns known.
Location: 18th SDRD east of 400, specifically 3310 18th SDRD
Proponent: Turris Sites Inc.
Public meeting Thursday June 21 7-8:30PM at Trisan Centre in Curling Lounge in Schomberg
Location: 959 15thSDRD
Proponent: Bell Mobility
Public Meeting: Tuesday June 26, 7 PM at King Council Chamber, 2075 King Road
Hi,
We found our dream home on Hollingsworth Drive – large yard, family community, but could not stand living close to the many antennas on top of the King City water tower. I’m surprised, in a township as large as King, you were not able to find a more suitable place to place these instead of right smack in the middle of the community.
Too bad, King is lovely, except this fact.
Regards,
toni
Hello Toni,
First let me say that I wish you luck in finding your dream home; as I think King is fabulous I think it is too bad that you have not been successful here.
Cell phone towers are truly problematic: most of us want what they enable but I have never met anyone who wants one in their view. It is very problematic in King as we have so much open space and are surrounded by growing municipalites with citizens who want lots of digital capability; and, we have the 400 running through the Township with lots of drivers who demand good coverage.
I think it is valuable for you to understand that you are laying the blame for the antennas at the wrong place: King has no jurisdiction over where these towers are located; all a municipality can do is comment and make suggestions. The approval of telecommunications facilities is under Federal jurisdiction and administered by Industry Canada. Industry Canada’s procedure includes a requirement for consultation with the local municipality.To this end, the Township has adopted a “Protocol for Establishing Telecommunications Facilities” to guide the consultation process.
Currently we have at least 3 applications in process; for each one the proponents have held public meetings. Based on feedback we receive from residents and our own analysis of the proposed site we will be providing feedback to Industry Canada as to whether we think the proposed site is appropriate or not. For example, there is a Staff report for our upcoming Council meeting recommending how to respond to one of the applications. The recommendation is to tell Industry Canada that we are not in support of the location as the vast majority of the benefiting users are located in the neighbouring urban municipality whereas the proposed location is rural. Furthermore, we will ask Industry Canada to ensure the applicant has fully explored alternative locations and opportunities within the benefiting service area.
Finally, I gather that you would not agree, but usually location of antennae on current structures such as water towers is a preferred location. Sometimes water towers are not an option because of height and their capacity for antennae is not finite.
Again, good luck on your house hunt!
Hi Debbie – As you can imagine, there is continued concern among Aurora residents about this cell tower, and the rumour mill is now suggesting that an additional tower may be planned along Bathurst near St. John’s Sideroad. Could you please clarify if there are any further appplications/plans or other intentions to erect additional towers along Bathurst? Thank you.
Hello Sue, 1st…my apologies for being so slow to respond; I just “found” your comment as for some reason I didn’t get notice of it in my inbox. I am not aware of others but I need to do some research; I will get back to you. Debbie