Scott Adamson, a resident of the area, made a presentation to county council Monday asking that a letter of support be sent to Canadian Radiocommunications Information about Notification Service on the need to follow protocol when installing such towers.
He came to council with a signed petition from seven homeowners on Dunmaglass Road asking that the tower be removed because it is located too close to the road, there was no public consultation and it ruins the scenic view.
Adamson told council the installer did not follow the required protocol or procedures laid out by the municipality in its Antenna System Siting Review and Consultation Protocol policy.
He said the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure granted a permit to install the tower with no specification on setback from vehicle traffic.
Emails that he provided to county council from TIR indicate that there are now concerns over the tower’s location in regard to road maintenance, safety and snow clearing.
In this email, TIR said there is no public consultation process for the erection of utility poles within Highway right of way limits, however, it is encouraged when companies talk with landowners. TIR said it would be speaking with the tower’s owner.
Adamson said CRINS has also been made aware of the residents’ concerns over the placement of the tower and is looking into the matter.
He suggested to council the entire thing could have been avoided if TIR was not able to issue permits until it was made known that all municipal and CRINS protocol was followed.
“They would have to go through every step of the protocol,” he said.
