Grande Prairie city council has directed administration to negotiate and execute a lease with Rogers for a new 5G cell tower on the Community Knowledge Campus. Despite the adherence to Health Canada safety standards, concerns surrounding the proximity to the sports field in the area led to a discussion between councillors at Monday’s meeting.
As a result, council opted to direct administration to undertake a thorough review of the City’s Land Use Bylaw. However, Deputy Mayor Kevin O’Toole says he doesn’t expect it to be a lengthy process.
“I think a lot of that information will be very quick and easy to find.”
According to the City, the proposed location is approximately 200 metres away from the nearest residential property, and O’Toole adds that the location is currently in need of stronger coverage options.
“The area in town that is in question, you couldn’t get good cell phone coverage, you couldn’t get downloading ability, when they put that [tower] in, it made a huge difference for the home businesses, the people, the students.”
Because the property is city-owned, once the lease is executed, the anticipated income for the deal is $10,000 per year.