The Town of Hawkesbury is in agreement with plans for a mobile communication tower in the downtown area.
On June 3, council adopted a recommendation authorizing Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Cardarelli to seek a Letter of Concurrence to allow Rogers Communications to install a 30 metre/98-foot tower for mobile phone communication near Le Chenail Boulevard behind the Banque Nationale building.
Rogers has proposed the tower because of a need to improve wireless telecommunications services in downtown Hawkesbury. The proposed slim monopole tower will have a walk-in equipment shelter at its base and will be located within an enclosed compound.
Wireless telecommunications are regulated by the federal government through Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Rogers is required by ISED to consult with planning authorities in siting tower locations. The consultation process allows local planning authorities the opportunity to address land-use concerns while respecting the federal government’s exclusive jurisdiction in the siting and operation of wireless towers. Municipal planning bylaws and the Ontario Planning Act do not apply to federal projects and cannot be used as a means of regulating or stopping projects. However, telecommunications companies are required to follow established and documented protocols and processes established by planning authorities.
The official address of the site is 173 Main Street East. Rogers documents initially described the site of the tower as the corner of Main and John Streets, which is located more than a block to the east. Councillor Yves Paquette asked for clarification on site.
“It’s behind Pizza Pizza and the Banque Nationale,” Mayor Robert Lefebvre said.
Christian Lee of Rogers said the company initially wanted to situate the tower at or near the intersection but the overall intent is to improve reception in the downtown area of Hawkesbury.
Lee also said the planning process for the new tower had started before the COVID-19 pandemic but was delayed during it before again receiving attention in 2023.
