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.  

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.    

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.”