A new Telus wireless communications facility is up for discussion when city council next meets Monday, Oct. 21.
The facility, proposed for 2527 Redfield Place, would include a 19.1-metre tower and associated equipment designed to enhance cellphone coverage in the area.
With the public consultation period complete, council will hear from Deanna Wasnik, director of planning and development, who in a report states that nearby property owners were notified of the plan and had 30 days to weigh in, but there were no responses received.
The report outlines that the proposed facility would occupy a small area (less than two per cent) of the 0.67-hectare industrial site, which is zoned M1: Light Industrial.
Although the site is primarily industrial, concerns about the visual impact of the monopole from major roads and residential areas were addressed with a planned landscaped buffer, states the report to council.
Redfield Place is in the Hart Highway area off Northwood Pulp Road.
This new proposal follows a prior council resolution from May 11, 2020, but the project was put on hold for more than three years, which required renewed consultation with the city and the public. Council's original recommendation, as presented in the report, supports the construction of the facility, stating that it will not raise significant concerns for the community.
As the facility falls under the federally regulated jurisdiction of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the city’s OK is required for Telus to proceed. However, the final decision rests with ISED, which will review the proposal and comments before granting any licenses, the report states.
Councillors will have the opportunity to discuss the matter further on Monday, Oct. 21. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.
