By Ahmad Hathout
MARIEVILLE, Que. – The commission for the protection of agricultural territory of Quebec ruled last week that Telus can build a new telecommunications tower in Marieville.
The Vancouver-based telecom requested commission approval for the 60-meter tower, an overhead power line and an access road in an area of approximately 4,884 square meters to maintain an optimal coverage quality.
The application faced resistance, namely from the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, an organization representing agricultural businesses. But the commission, which requires approval for development other than agriculture, said the project would not affect the crops. It cited non-agriculture developments, such as residences, that do not impact the agricultural make-up of the area.
According to the commission’s decision, Telus terminated its lease on Rogers’s tower in the area following an accident near the tower. Telus said the new tower would allow it to continue providing service, including to road users passing along the major highway and 911 service.
Telus said it worked with the city of Marieville to pick the location, which the telecom said was the only one that met its technical and operational objectives. In January, the city adopted a resolution supporting the project.
