Coldstream looks at discouraging communication towers
Coldstream council has directed staff to look at possible bylaws and application fee structures to try discourage telecommunication companies from building towers in the district.
Freedom Mobile is proposing a 35-metre monopole structure with 12 panel antennas and four microwave dishes at the top of the monopole at 10091 Highway 6 in Coldstream.
The applicant said they try to locate towers at higher elevations and along highway corridors, away from residential areas, to improve reception. It is anticipated with additional demand for data, driven in part by changing work habits due to COVID-19, will see additional applications for communication towers. Data use shrinks the overall footprint that a tower can service.
“Is there something in our tax structure that either could benefit us, or provide a disincentive to communication companies?” Coun. Richard Enns asked.