The township is in favour of erecting a Bell Mobility tower north of Alma to help improve cell phone and internet service for those living in and around the hamlet.
At its last meeting in July Mapleton council agreed to a Bell proposal for a tower on private property north of Alma, near the corner of 14th Line and Sideroad 21 (Simpson Street East).
Clerk Patty Sinnamon reported that no major concerns about the 45 metre tower were received from various commenting parties, including Hydro One, R.J. Burnside and Associates, the Grand River Conservation Authority, and Mapleton officials.
Bell Mobility spokesman Karen Balbaa explained the company has entered into a lease agreement with the landowner at 7154 14th Line. It has also submitted a site plan application and notified nearby landowners through the Wellington Advertiser.
She said only one resident submitted any questions about the proposal, which she expects will “fill the coverage gap” that currently exists in the area, including between Alma and Elora.
“This site is intended to provide in-building service to the residences of Alma and surrounding area,” Balbaa said in her report. “It will also improve coverage along County Roads 7 and 17 and surrounding roads in the area.
“It will also provide capacity relief for the sites Bell currently operates, which cover Arthur, Fergus, and Elora.”
When asked by council, Finance Director Mike Givens explained the private landowner will be assessed for having commercial infrastructure on their property, but that money is likely recovered by the owner through a section in the lease agreement with Bell.
Unfortunately, Givens said, the township does not receive any building fees for the structure because Industry Canada is in charge of the permit process for communications towers.
Council approved a resolution stating the township “concurs with the proposal” by Bell Mobility.
