Possible mass proliferation of towers to service new wireless providers has prompted city hall to approve a review of its criteria governing their installation.
Ald. Bob Hawkesworth proposed a plan for the city to consider the circumstances under which it drafts its letter of concurrence for Industry Canada’s final approval for tower construction — but aldermen brought up several tower examples dating back 12 years, being a source of community outrage.
“There’s not just a problem with over-15-metre towers,” said Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart.
“The fact of the matter is we haven’t reviewed the (freestanding telecom towers) criteria since 1998.”
Ald. Brian Pincott noted a tower being built in his ward that the community was opposed to, yet Industry Canada got a letter of concurrence from the city — and he called the process “very frustrating.”
Aldermen approved the issuing of a letter of non-concurrence in cases where communities opposed the wireless tower installation — and also the review of criteria for installation.
Wind Mobile spokesperson Chris Robbins told Metro last week the company would abide by any criteria, provided all wireless providers were required to adhere.
