Wireless trees taking up residence in Muskoka

MUSKOKA LAKES - Residents may soon have better wireless services — without the ugly towers.
On March 6, Bell Canada presented Muskoka Lakes committee of the whole with plans to increase wireless services to area residents by May. Instead of big towers, Bell plans to erect towers that are under 100 feet and built to look like white pine trees.
Bell Consultant Ferdinand Staab said the wireless trees will be “planted” on private property.
The trees will be on high points, said Staab, but there will be other trees in the background so they blend in and won’t be noticeable. He said the trees would be at least 300 feet away from residences.
Anything under 100 feet in height does not require a public meeting, but committee members were concerned the wireless trees may be too close to some property lines.
They are hoping to conduct a public meeting on the issue at a later date.
Bell has plans for trees in seven areas including: Brackenrig, Foot’s Bay, Port Carling East, Port Sandfield, Walker’s Point East, Breezy Point Road and Little Lake Joseph.
Councillor Ruth Nishikawa expressed concern that there would be too much wireless in the area.
There is a health effect, she said. She asked if there are any reports available.
Staab said they are following the regulations set by Health Canada.
“We can’t build a network without following those regulations,” he told the committee members.
The idea has already flourished in the United States in the form of palm trees and lampposts, but Muskoka is the first area in Canada to be offered the service.
Staab said the lack of service in Muskoka makes it a good place for this project.
“We’re trying to improve wireless service as well as kind of blend into the surrounding landscape,” he said.
Bell has also made proposals to Seguin, Lake of Bays, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge.
“The heart of the activity is in your township,” Staab said at the meeting.
The trees are made of a steel pole with fibreglass branches. They don’t require lighting like most towers do because of their height.
Coun.Edwards was concerned about access roads to the site of the towers.
Is it possible to fly the trees in instead of clear-cutting, he asked.
Staab said it has been done, and they will look at it once they’re at the planning stage. They have to do the planning on a site-by-site basis, he said.
There will need to be some kind of access road to service the radio equipment on the towers.
The proposal will come before council on March 26.

Small - Large
|
Print
|
Email
|
|