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Qualicum Beach council approves location of Telus communications tower

Plan is to improve cellphone service in the area
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Map of the location of the Telus cell tower that it plans to build in Qualicum Beach. (Town of Qualicum Beach Map)

The Town of Qualicum Beach has approved the location of a new tower Telus plans to construct to help improve cellphone service in the area.

For years, the Eaglecrest and Chartwell neighbourhoods have endured poor cellular service, which prompted Telus to apply to the town to install a new communications tower. Two site options were proposed, one at 845 Village Way and the second at 2045 Island Highway.

Initially town council approved the 845 Village Way option but dropped the idea after residents protested and also to mitigate the visual impact of the tower when approaching Qualicum Beach from the east.

RELATED: Qualicum Beach moves forward on alternative recommendation for proposed cell tower

The 45-metre monopole tower will now be built at 2045 Island Highway.

“Residents in Eaglecrest have struggled with poor coverage for many years, and the town has received numerous requests to improve personal safety and emergency preparedness by supporting dependable cellular coverage,” said Mayor Brian Wiese. “We are pleased that Telus has come forward with a solution that addresses this community need.”

Telus indicated in the notice mailed out to residents last June that millions of people rely on wireless communications to enhance their personal security and safety as well as enjoy more frequent contact with family, friends and business association. The new tower will improve cell coverage in the area and also boost public safety as more than 70 per cent of all calls to 911 are placed through wireless devices.

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