Telus is one step closer to putting up a cell tower in the south end of Grande Prairie. Members of the City of Grande Prairie Infrastructure Committee voted to move the project forward to council for a final vote.
The 30-metre high tower is proposed to be erected on the Community Knowledge Campus property, south of the sports track and east of St. Joes.
Mayor Bill Given was one of the voting members of the committee and says there was some early contention surrounding potential visual complaints about the project, but believes it is a necessary move in the end.
“I think the proposed location is a reasonable balance in ensuring that it’s not literally in anybody’s back yard and it is on a site that is intended for general use of the public at the CKC.”
“This kind of public infrastructure really benefits a large swath of the community and we have to recognize in our modern life where all of us are relying more and more on mobile devices that this kind of infrastructure is required,” he adds.
Given points to the need for reliable services for the expanding region of the city, which includes development for both commercial and residential properties.
“We want to ensure that the south end of the city is able to grow; that businesses and residents in that area have good utility services of all kinds and that would include telecommunications.”
It is the third time since 2012 Telus has requested to build a tower in the area, with the location in both prior plans being rejected by members of city council.
Council will have a full table discussion about the issue at an upcoming meeting before giving the project the final yes or no vote.