The Hammond Bay area could be getting better cellphone coverage as a cell tower is planned at a Regional District of Nanaimo site.
The RDN announced in a press release Friday, Aug. 16, that it has reached an agreement with Telus and Rogers Communications for the tower at the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre. The regional district would provide land there that wasn't set aside for any other specific use, and a land-use consultation process is expected to take place in the fall. A request for land-use concurrence from the City of Nanaimo would be needed, the press release noted.
Telus will provide information next month on how people can provide feedback, noted the press release.
"The installation and operation of the tower would have no tax implications for residents – the cost of the project, including construction and ongoing operation and maintenance of the cellular tower, would be borne by Telus and Rogers," the press release noted.
Vanessa Craig, RDN board chairperson, stated in the release that better cell coverage is a "much-needed service" in the area and the RDN is pleased that the project is moving to the public consultation phase.
"Many people use mobile phones for both personal and professional communications, making access to cellular coverage essential for both day-to-day living and emergencies," she said.
karl.yu@nanaimobulletin.com
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