The Ontario, Canada beach community on the South Bruce Peninsula (separating Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay) enjoys a swell of summer visitors, which can put a strain on wireless resources. As Bayshore Broadcasting reports, the South Bruce Peninsula Council has been in discussions to erect nine or ten 40-foot poles around town. Shared Tower and GB Tel made a presentation to the council to show how a high speed fiber optic network can boost connectivity.
“If we did permit this, we would make sure they are placed in a way that really isn’t going to stick out like a sore thumb and hopefully people won’t even see them,” said Mayor Janice Jackson. “We are always looking to boost our internet capacity right across South Bruce Peninsula.”
In order to test the waters, the project will start small with poles placed at the Sauble Town square, and the south side of the Sixth Street public restrooms. Shared Tower has also requested a space behind the Sauble Beach Community Center where they will maintain communications equipment within a utility shed. The cell towers and supporting equipment should be operational by August.
In addition to facilitating communications, the towers will also help monitor paid parking in Sauble Beach. Longer term plans anticipate revenue of $4,698 per year for the shed facility. At $1,168 per year, the full complement of cell towers could earn the community up to $15,878 per year. According to the source, the community plans to use the funds to support the Sauble Beach Medical facility.
“There is obviously a need and it has been documented for additional service in these areas,” said CAO Bill Jones. “We talk about expanding broadband throughout the area and this is just one more piece when you really think about it, it is part of that initiative.”
Reader Interactions