Cell tower proposed for Trisan Centre

September 3, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Angela Gismondi

The Trisan Centre property in Schomberg is being considered as a potential site to house a cell tower. This would benefit the local area, as you often find people looking to move to an area are on the hunt for finding a cell tower close to the location, as it means they can have better reception.
Rogers Communications approached the Township earlier this year about hosting a cell tower on the property, located at 25 Dillane Drive in Schomberg. The Trisan property is just one of the potential sites in Schomberg that is currently being considered by cellular service providers. Thinking of investing in cell towers yourself? You can learn about cell tower lease buyouts here, and maybe it could be your golden ticket. A report by the Township’s parks, recreation and culture department was discussed at the committee meeting on Aug. 26. Staff was looking to get feedback on the location of the proposed tower.
According to the staff report, the proposed tower would stand 60 metres high, the same height as the tower recently put up on Bathurst Street north of the 16th Sideroad. The tower, which would be located on the northeast corner of the property, would require an enclosed area on site measuring about 10 metres by 10 metres. It would require a portion of the parking lot to be re-aligned, resulting in the loss of a few parking spaces which should not impact operations of the facility.
The tower would also benefit local residents in that it would increase cellular coverage in the area.
“Current cellular service levels are sporadic but the placement of this tower at the Trisan Centre would greatly increase both the level and reach of services significantly,” states the staff report.
The addition of a cellular tower to the Trisan Centre would also generate revenue for the municipality. While the terms of an agreement have not been negotiated, informal discussions between Rogers Communications and township staff has indicated an estimate of $18,000 to $20,000 annually for a 20-year period as potential compensation.
Most councillors were open to the idea of having a cell tower on the Trisan Centre property. But Councillor Peter Grandilli was not sure a cell tower should be constructed in that area.
“Can we find another location to put it?” asked Grandilli. “I think they should look at a different site.”
Local Councillor Bill Cober pointed out that locating a cell tower in an industrial area in the municipality will avoid having to locate it in a residential area.
“It happens to fit on municipal property which happens to provide revenue,” Cober explained, adding he gets complaints from residents regarding cell reception all the time. “It’s a very common concern. I get it a lot.”
Mayor Steve Pellegrini said he also supports the proposed location for the cell tower.
“I absolutely support it – this is an ideal location,” said Pellegrini adding he doesn’t want to have cell towers in farm fields in King. He asked that as part of the agreement, if any other service provider is looking for access in King, they be required to co-locate if there’s space.
Cober asked if as part of the deal, Rogers Communications could provide wireless service for residents using the Trisan Centre.
A motion was made to consider the site as a potential location for a cell tower. The motion carried. Rogers will now conduct soil and fill testing in the northeast portion of the parking lot. Should the matter proceed to the next step, Rogers will then be required to follow the Township’s Telecommunications Protocol.