Two new cellphone towers could soon improve service in parts of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where calls often drop or signals are weak.
Telus plans to install one tower near the Rutherford roundabout at Linley Valley Dr., and another at the City’s public works yard on Labieux Rd. City council approved both locations during a June 16 meeting.
Nancy Skeels, the City’s real estate manager, said the issue has been ongoing. “Many of the City departments have been working with Telus for a number of years to identify City-owned property where the proposals can be located on to rectify cellular coverage issues,” she told councillors.
At Rutherford hill, two 15-metre poles—designed to look like tall streetlights—would go up on city land. On Labieux Rd., the plan is for a taller, 46-metre tower inside the public works yard.
Telus would pay the City $34,000 a year to rent the space, with a deal that could last up to 30 years. While council gave the green light, the final say comes from the federal government through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, reports Nanaimo News Now.
The projects are part of a wider effort to boost cellphone service in north Nanaimo. Towers are also planned near Hammond Bay Rd. and Mary Ellen Dr.
Meanwhile, a separate 53 metre-high Rogers tower proposal in nearby Nanoose Bay has drawn complaints from residents earlier this year.
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