Located in the Canadian province of British Columbia, Penticton is a town that is increasingly popular with outdoor enthusiasts. According to Castanet, the existing Rogers cell tower cannot always support the increase in digital traffic, prompting Telus to propose building a second tower. The plan met with the approval of the Penticton City Council, with the proviso that the new structure must look like a tree.
Telus’ plan suggests erecting a monopine cell tower that will stand just under 60-feet tall. The modest height places it well below the 100-foot mark, a height that would have demanded additional oversight. Ultimately, the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISEDC) has the final say on cell tower development. The Penticton City Council voted to ask the ISEDC to approve the cell tower plan, stressing that the tree-like appearance was paramount.
Developer Chad Marlatt, who has a long history of working with Telus, warned that insisting on a monopine design could slow down the project. “If it came back to them, ‘Yes it has to be a tree,’ they’d probably be more reluctant” to act quickly to build the cell tower, Marlatt stated.
In discussing their options, Castanet reports that the Council spoke about the need for better connectivity to support residents digitally connecting from their homes and businesses, and tourists coming to explore the region’s natural beauty. Speakers voiced their concerns that Telus could act to “hold the city hostage” over the issue of the cell tower’s appearance.
However, weighing in with her belief that Penticton should persevere, Councilwoman Amelia Boultbee asserted, “I think we are on solid ground to call that bluff.” The Council went on to approve the cell tower proposal with almost unanimous support.
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