DWV warns Rogers it needs more info on its tower
Rogers Inc.’s proposed Taylor Way communication tower may not be on district land, but West Vancouver isn’t letting it go ahead without a fight.
In December, the municipality learned the company applied to the Ministry of Transportation to place a 29.5-metre tower in the grassy median between Highway 1 and its westbound off ramp — a plot outside the municipality’s jurisdiction.
At Monday night’s council meeting, councillors voted to advise Rogers that it expects the company to hold a public information session and complete a visual impact analysis on the project.
“We feel we need to have greater knowledge of what is going on,” said Geri Boyle, district manager of community planning.
With the details provided, Boyle said staff feel the structure will change the scenic quality of West Vancouver.
More analysis will help the district understand how the tower will effect the neighbourhood, she said.
Coun. Michael Evison asked whether the structure could be placed at a different site.
“Of all the offending sites [Rogers] couldn’t have done a better job,” he said. “It is unreal.”
Gary Reeve, west region network implementation director for Rogers, replied communication towers must be clear of obstructions in order to work.
“Cellular is a line of site technology,” Reeve said.
But, he added, Rogers is committed to working with the district’s recommendations and the community.
Although there is little the district can do about the project’s location, West Van Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones said the district’s role is with regard to public consultation and notification.
On Feb. 7, district staff will update its own policy on communication towers.
raldous@northshoreoutlook.com
twitter.com/rebeccaaldous
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