At its meeting on Monday, April 13, North Glengarry Council deferred a supporting resolution for a proposed telecommunications tower in Alexandria. Council is seeking more information before moving ahead with the project, citing concerns raised at the council table despite no objections during the public consultation process.
The project, submitted by Shared Tower Inc., involves the installation of a 40-metre telecommunications tower at 419 Main Street North, just south of Butchers to Go. The tower is intended to improve wireless voice and data coverage in Alexandria and surrounding areas, where gaps in service have been identified.
According to Director of Building, By-law and Planning Jacob Rhéaume, the proposal has followed the required federal process set out by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The process included notifying residents within a radius of three times the tower’s height, or 120 metres, publishing notices in local newspapers, and providing a 30-day window for public comments.
Rhéaume said the company had completed all the required steps and is now requesting that the Township of North Glengarry issue a letter of concurrence confirming it has no objections to the proposed location, the final step needed before the project can proceed under federal jurisdiction.
Deputy Mayor Carma Williams noted that the tower would be “carrier-neutral,” allowing multiple telecommunications providers to install equipment on the structure.
“This will be good news for the residents and us,” Williams said.
Rhéaume added that Rogers and Bell are expected to be among the initial carriers, though he said he would follow up with the company to confirm full details.
While no concerns were submitted during the formal consultation period, Councillor Brian Caddell raised questions about potential health impacts, including radiation exposure, particularly given the tower’s proximity to a nearby gym. He also expressed concern that residents may not be fully aware of the proposal and said he would vote against it in its current form.
Councillor Jacques Massie suggested council delay issuing the concurrence letter to allow for further review, including additional information on potential risks.
“To Councillor Caddell’s concern and that of the community as a whole, maybe we should postpone our acceptance letter and get more information on the risk assessment to do our due diligence,” Massie said.
Councillor Michael Madden agreed, noting the importance of understanding potential exposure levels, especially for individuals who may spend extended periods near the site, such as at the nearby gym.
“I agree, if we can put this off and get a bit more information, it would be beneficial to us,” Madden said.
Council unanimously voted to defer the decision until additional information is provided by Shared Tower Inc.
