A new proposal to put up a cellphone tower at the northeast corner of Nelson Park is causing a bit of static and buzz among Niagara-on-the-Lake residents.
They hope the municipality’s town hall on Aug. 13 will provide a clearer signal.
The tower would be installed at the corner of Nelson and Ricardo streets. It would stand 18 metres tall, according to a brochure from Signum Wireless, the company proposing the project.
The installation would also include a fenced enclosure measuring 5.95 by 5.18 metres.
Signum Wireless says the location offers the best chance for strong mobile coverage in the area.
“Signum Wireless’ clients have determined the need for new antennas in the area in order to adequately provide contiguous coverage and service to customers in the town of NOTL,” the brochure states.
“Signum Wireless chose this site to allow carriers to avoid problematic situations for customers such as poor voice and data quality, dropped calls or even the inability to place a mobile call in the subject area.”
The federal government is responsible for approving such projects, meaning the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake does not control the tower’s construction or approval process.
“Zoning bylaws and site plan approvals do not typically apply to these facilities, and a building permit is not required,” Signum said in its brochure.
However, the company said it’s working with the town’s planning division, and the upcoming open house signals a desire to gather public input.
Some residents have voiced opposition, citing concerns about the tower’s proposed location.
Multiple residents emailed The Lake Report to share their views, particularly arguing the proposed site is inappropriate.
“Many owners (and taxpayers) of King’s Point, as well as the Greystones townhouses on the other side of Ricardo St, are expressing strong concerns about the inappropriate location of this tower,” said Catherine Cornell.
“The site is immediately beside the densest residential area in the Old Town, and in a beautiful park which has a steady stream of walking and biking visitors, and even wedding groups coming to take photos by the river.”
Mike Henry also feels the same way.
“Overall, there are more appropriate locations,” he said.
“Locations that are not right beside the densest residential area in the Old Town (103 residences between King’s Point and the Greystones across the street), and not at the entrance to a lovely park that visitors stream through every day.”
Residents are expected to raise these and other concerns at the town hall, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the NOTL Community Centre.
