Minden Hills councillors, July 31, voted to withhold a statement of concurrence for a cell tower on Bobcaygeon Road, leaving the build in limbo.
The ultimate decision about whether or not a tower is built rests with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), although they do take into account municipal planning input.
The vote went against the recommendation of planner Amanda Dougherty, who said the required public consultation had been completed, and the proposal complied with land use requirements of the official plan and zoning bylaw.
The 70-metre wireless telecommunications tower is proposed for a private property at 830 Bobcaygeon Rd. in a licensed aggregate pit.
In her report, Dougherty said, “a new communications tower would support essential infrastructure objectives by increasing broadband and cellular connectivity and further supporting the economic and socio-economic advantages within the community.”
She said it was 1,141 feet from a well-treed road so would be somewhat screened, there are no wetlands in the development area, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Foresty has no issues. She noted some concerns were not considered reasonable and relevant, such as the effect on property values or municipal taxes, or health concerns, since they are under Health Canada jurisdiction.
Mayor Bob Carter said, “the scope of local councils are limited. We are involved with making sure that there is compliance with the prescribed consultation process and compliance with the township’s land use documents.”
However, council heard from residents Sandi Prentice and David and Priscilla Hessel, who asked them not to issue a statement of concurrence.
Prentice said “my house is the same height as the top of the proposed tower. That tower will be eye level to my bedroom window with a blinking red light in my face every night.”
Prentice said “my house is the same height as the top of the proposed tower. That tower will be eye level to my bedroom window with a blinking red light in my face every night.”
She went on to say she had “serious concerns, not just about the tower itself, but the integrity of the public consultation process.” She claimed “the process was supposed to inform and involve the community, instead it’s been riddled with contradictions, misleading statements, and in some cases outright falsehoods.”
The Hessels said they live 500 metres north of the proposed tower. “We and our neighbours don’t want a tower. We don’t see the need for it and we are concerned about the impact on our property, our health and the environment.”
They claimed that “upon finding a landowner willing to host a tower, Rogers/EORN have moved to expedite he public consultation process; the public notice did not include the required information; did not adequately consider alternate sites or co-location options; and does not meet the stated objectives (improving service near Mountain Lake).”
Coun. Shirley Johannessen said of 20 impacted properties, 13 are opposed, one undecided, two in favour and four unknown. She said with that level of public opposition, she needed to listen to her constituents.
Carter said he represented all constituents, and if EORN or Rogers does not build the tower, it will result in a continuing cell gap in the area.
EORN communications lead, Lisa Severson told council the cell gap project – and its federal, provincial, and municipal funding – will be done at the end of 2026. She said it takes 12 to 36 months to find appropriate sites and build. “I can’t guarantee there would be an alternate site built.”
