The corner of Livingstone and St. Vincent streets could be getting higher.
Construction of a telecommunications tower, with an equipment cabinet, has been proposed in the commercial plaza at 181 Livingstone St. E. in Barrie.
“A 20-metre light pole style structure being proposed on site that will provide greater coverage in the immediate residential community and provide future opportunities for col-ocation (side-by-side),” said Jan Salaya, junior planner for Steward Logistics, speaking for Shared Tower at a recent neighbourhood meeting.
“Due to increasing needs of voice and data, cellular services in and around the immediate area of Livingstone Street East and St. Vincent Street, Shared Tower has identified this location to resolve wireless connectivity and capacity issues that will meet current and future needs,” Salaya said.
The tower would be located at the drive-through entrance of the Tim Hortons, on a parking boulevard. Its compound would sit along the west property line beside the commercial building, and would be 12 by four metres.
With landline use decreasing and the use of wireless devices increasing, Salaya said, accompanied by a shift to people working from home, the wireless coverage need grows along with these changes.
“Currently the area has insufficient wireless coverage to meet these increased demands,” she said. “The proposed new installation will significantly enhance current wireless service and the tower height and design will allow for all national carriers and local WISPs (wireless internet services providers) to improve their coverage and services to the local community.”
Shared Tower, an Oakville company, specializes in building shared telecommunications infrastructure.
The city says this application is in the pre-application, public consultation stage.
Tyler Butler, a planner with the city’s development services department, noted this proposal does not require municipal permits nor approvals.
All decisions about telecommunications towers are made by Industry Canada.
Telecommunications towers are regulated by federal legislation and administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. It requires proponents consult with municipalities on the location and design of the proposed tower, and have a consultation process to make residents in the immediate area aware of the proposal.
