No decision yet on cell tower

Photo: Contributed

Simulation of the proposed 'monopole' style tower.

Despite assertions to the contrary, the District of West Kelowna says no decision has been made regarding the location of a cell phone tower on property owned by Mt. Boucherie Family Estate Winery.

Several emails circulating among angry residents in the area of Douglas Road claim the municipality has already given its blessing for a tower proposed by Rogers Communications.

"Rogers has to go through the process outlined by Industry Canada and provide its consultation results to the local government and our staff will look through all that and provide a report to council," says Communications Supervisor, Kirsten Jones.

"That hasn't happened yet. Council will support or not support. It's not a decision... we provide to Industry Canada whether we support or not."

Jones says the final decision sits with Industry Canada.

Residents around the area are upset they were not made aware of Rogers' intention to erect a six storey cell tower on the winery property.

A petition has been started asking the tower to be shelved, while city hall has been flooded with calls and emails.

"Obviously council welcomes any input from the public on anything, but the process here is you are meant to provide your comments to Rogers and those are provided to us and our council considers it," says Jones.

"People can write us, people can call us and we will include it as part of our report to council, but the process here is you are meant to get in touch with Rogers and let them know."

People have until Oct. 6 to provide comment.

Rogers is proposing to build the tower in an effort to keep up with increased demand for improved wireless service in the community.

As part of the referral process, Jones says the municipality has asked Rogers to increase the notification area.

Jones says the area has been increased a bit, but notes they only have to notify people within an area three times the height of the proposed tower.

She also says that while the land in question is part of the ALR, a cell tower is a permitted use.

In fact, Jones states telecommunications equipment is permitted in all zones, if they are appropriate.

One person in the area is suggesting Rogers come to an agreement with Telus to share a tower that Telus has just up the road from the proposed site at the winery.

Owners of the winery, who have agreed to sell or lease a portion of their property for the tower, did not reply to a request for an interview for this story.