SaskTel is going to be asking for public input on a large cell tower for Melfort.
The crown corporation wants to put the tower in the southwest part of the city. But it’s right across the street from a residential area – which is why SaskTel plans to do public consultation.
Melfort City Council approved SaskTel’s consultation plan, but the vote was not unanimous.
“Our committee, we didn’t like where it is…we tell them we don’t like where it is, and they come back with this proposal to see what the neighborhood says,” said councillor Doug Terry, who voted against approving the consultation plan.
However, other councillors acknowledged mobile service in the area could use the boost from another tower.
“I agree it’s needed over there,” said councillor Tim Hoenmans. “Cell service on that side of town is not very good.”
However, he questioned whether the tower would have any effect on long term residential plans for the area.
A city report said the intention is to improve cellular coverage for both Melfort and the surrounding area.
“Location criteria for the tower is very specific and lands have been identified on the exhibition grounds that meet the required specifications,” said a report to city council.
The plan is to have a 45 meter tower, along with a small building at the base of it.
A proposed cell tower for southwest Melfort would look much like this one. Courtesy City of Melfort.“The City and SaskTel have been working on identifying an appropriate site for a communications tower in the southwest quadrant of the city for some time…after some discussion and an exploration of options, Lots 3 and 4 were identified as an agreeable location for both SaskTel and the Melfort Agricultural Society,” said the report.
Council was told under federal rules consultation packages will only be sent to approximately 25 homes closest to the tower. However, the proposal will also be advertised.
It adds once the public consultation is finished, SaskTel will report back to the city on what the public consultation found.
doug.lett@pattisonmedia.com
Twitter: @DougLettSK
