In accordance with Strathcona County’s Land Use Bylaw 6-2015 (subsection 6.20), wireless communication facilities are encouraged to be located in areas of the County such as agricultural, industrial and other non-residential areas where tower height is less likely to be an issue.  

The Deermound Dog Park parcel was chosen for a wireless communication facility as the quarter section is in proximity to several communities that need greater access to a reliable cellular service network. This parcel was historically a landfill and as such is managed under Strathcona County’s Contaminated Sites Management Program. While long term management of historic landfill activities is a requirement and will remain ongoing even with a tower on site, the parcel has been programmed as a dog park. Some trails may need to be re-routed in the immediate vicinity of the tower and in-depth environmental analysis is required, but the tower is not anticipated to result in significant changes to the dog park operation.  

Site selection must balance multiple criteria, including the potential efficiency and productivity of the tower (maximization of the benefit), proximity to utility servicing, site access for construction and maintenance purposes, environmental considerations, impacts to existing land uses, buildings or structures; and, aesthetic impacts, among others.  

The original location proposed for the tower was in the parking lot area in the northwestern corner of the quarter section. This location was revised based on feedback from adjacent landowners who indicated that they had concerns with the proposed tower being so close to their homes. Upon receiving this feedback, alternatives were considered and a new general area became the area of focus. 

The general area of focus was chosen based on three critical factors, which are (1) functionality of the tower to improve services to a maximum number of properties; (2) ease of access (based on utilization of the existing highway approach) to minimize impact; and, (3) proximity to existing servicing (i.e. power utility). The specific site (now the proposed site) within the general area was selected based on numerous additional factors including the location of existing park amenities such as landscaping features, trails, trees and open spaces; the extent of the underground contamination area; the location of on-site water monitoring wells; and, aesthetic impacts. 

While other location suggestions provided by dog park community members have been considered (such as locations in the northwest, northeast and southeast of the quarter section), the majority have been deemed unfeasible as they either have already been considered and rejected (such as the proposed northwestern parking lot area) or are outside of the functional area for the cell tower, not accessible using the existing access location, would require significant tree removal, are challenging to service (resulting in greater construction impacts and costs), and may impact other residential properties.  

Wireless communication facilities are federally regulated by Industry Canada: Spectrum Management and Telecommunications. Municipalities and project proponents work together to determine the location of new towers within the affected municipal boundaries.  

At their July 16, 2024, Council Meeting, Council passed a motion to enter into a long-term lease agreement with Telus Inc. for the construction, support and operations of a communication tower and related structures on County-owned land at the Deermound Dog Park. This was done based on the results of the public engagement process, which was carried out with neighbouring landowners, and a determination that it is feasible to find a suitable location for the tower within the parcel.  

The Development Permitting and Land Management teams have been actively working with the proponent through the late spring and summer to determine an appropriate location for the tower. This has involved review of the existing buildings, structures and amenities within the dog park (including landscaping features), access location requirements, utility servicing availability, environmental conditions and aesthetic considerations. It has also involved a review of input from area property owners as well as potentially affected County departments. Additional input has been provided by dog park users.  

A site has been chosen and is being examined in depth for final suitability. Detailed study pertaining to the proposed site to ensure suitability is ongoing. This includes study such as geotechnical investigation and detailed planning such as a site plan for the tower, the fenced area surrounding it and related equipment shelter(s) and structure(s) within the fenced area.  

Should the results of the in-depth analysis of the site be favourable, then it is anticipated that the County could execute the required lease agreement with the proponent by early September of 2024. Further agreements will be required to address construction and maintenance processes and requirements.  

Yes, the tower site will be fully fenced to restrict access. It is not anticipated to be lit other than a motion sensor at the equipment shelter door.  

No, the park is anticipated to remain open throughout the construction period, which is planned to last between 30 to 45 days. The construction process will be planned collaboratively with the County to ensure any potential impact to park users is minimized.  

Quarterly inspection/maintenance is required.  

The municipality is involved in the siting of towers only, while the Federal Government regulates other aspects of towers including matters relating to public health.  

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regulates wireless communication facilities through Spectrum management and telecommunications, which includes setting exposure limits for radiofrequency waves in Canada. Further information relating to Health Canada’s guidelines, which are commonly referred to as Safety Code 6 are available at the following link: Safety Code 6. 

The Spectrum management and telecommunications website indicates: “Health Canada has updated Safety Code 6 to reflect the most recent scientific evidence and measurement techniques. Canadians continue to be safe as all antenna installations, wireless devices and equipment on the market comply with the new limits under Safety Code 6 and with the related technical requirements. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada conducts regular audits to ensure that antenna installations, wireless devices and equipment on the market are compliant.” 

The consultation process for a proposed cell tower focuses on landowners and residents within proximity to the proposed tower site as outlined in the County’s Land Use Bylaw and the Federal Spectrum Management and Telecommunications guidelines.  

In the case of the proposed wireless communication tower in the Deermound Dog Park, feedback obtained from others including the dog park community members has been received and is being considered and implemented as part of the detailed site review and planning process. The municipality has made specific requests to the proponent and is implementing unique requirements in response to concerns raised such as construction process requirements, specific fencing needs and a reduction of the size of the potentially-impacted area (fenced area) for the tower.