Freedom Mobile — Invitation for Community Feedback (Consultation Package)

Freedom Mobile — Invitation for Community Feedback (Consultation Package)

Proposed Freedom Mobile 35M Metre Monopole Wireless Communications Facility

Located at 1365 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC

Date: March 6, 2018
Freedom Mobile Site: BV10073A

Dear Neighbour,

Freedom Mobile is excited to announce that it is currently planning its network build for the launch of wireless services in the Greater Victoria area in BC. In order to launch its network, Freedom Mobile requires the installation of new wireless communication facilities. One of the new sites required is proposed to be installed in the City of Langford at 1365 Goldstream Avenue, Langford, BC. As such, Freedom Mobile has commenced consultation in accordance with the City of Langford New Transmission Towers Policy No.: 0340-50 Transmission Towers.

PROPOSAL DETAILS

Freedom Mobile is proposing to install a 35.0 metre monopole wireless communication facility. The installation will include a total of eight (8) wireless antennas and four (4) microwave dishes on a City owned property located at 1365 Goldstream Avenue, (PID: 004-052-544). It is proposed to place the facility in the works yard area of the property near the southern property line. The ancillary equipment necessary to operate this facility will be enclosed by a chain-link fence at the base of the tower. The monopole is required to support Freedom's antennas in order to provide wireless communication network service within a few kilometres of the proposed location.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Telecommunication providers are required by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED), formerly Industry Canada, to consult with the local municipality and the general public regarding new installations. Freedom is committed to meaningful consultation with the City of Langford and the public. The City of Langford has adopted its New Transmission Tower Policy to define Council policy with respect to telecommunication towers and antennas, outline community consultation procedures and to describe municipal expectations with regard to minimizing community impacts from those structures.

This letter provides written notification to adjacent landowners and stakeholders with an opportunity to engage in reasonable, relevant, and timely communication regarding this proposal. You have received a copy of this notification package because your property, or a property you have an interest in, is located within 150 metres or less from the proposed installation.

The closing period for written comments regarding the proposal is May 1st, 2018, however, you can make comments in person at the Public Hearing meeting on May 7th, 2018, which begins at 5:30pm at City Hall, 877 Goldstream Avenue in the 3rd Floor Council Chambers. Any inquiries that are received as a result of this notification will be logged and submitted to the City of Langford as part of our application process.

Purpose

The purpose of the proposed facility is to provide wireless coverage to portions of the City of Langford. Currently, there are no existing antenna support structures or other feasible infrastructure that can be utilized; as a result, this new antenna support structure is required. An aerial photo of the proposed location and a photo-simulation of the proposed pole are included as part of this notification package.

Location

The facility is proposed to be located at the coordinates N 48.4560000, W 123.535895°, 1365 Goldstream Avenue. This is immediately adjacent to Goldstream Avenue and the Trans Canada Highway.

Health & Safety of Wireless Facilities

ISED manages the radio communications spectrum in Canada and requires cellular telecommunications facilities to comply within the guidelines set by Health Canada in order to protect people who live or work near these facilities. These Health Canada safety guidelines are outlined in their 'Safety Code 6' document and are among the most stringent in the world. All Freedom Mobile facilities adhere to and are generally well within these standards. Freedom Mobile attests that the radio installation described in this notification package will be installed and operated on an ongoing basis to comply with Health Canada's Safety Code 6 for the protection of the general public including any combined effects of nearby installations within the local radio environment. If you have questions about this proposal, you are welcome to contact us.

Site Access

Access is existing via the existing access driveway. Construction is anticipated to take 30 to 45 days. Once complete, the site will only be accessed for routine maintenance visits which typically occur once or twice a month. To safeguard the site from the general public, the tower base and equipment shelter will be enclosed by a secure chain-link fence.

Environment

Freedom Mobile confirms that the installation is excluded from environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

Design

The proposal consists of a 35.0 metre monopole structure. Freedom Mobile plans to install eight (8) panel antennas and four (4) microwave dishes at the top of the pole and two (2) accessory equipment cabinets securely fenced within a 3.0 metre x 6.0 metre compound area at the base. A preliminary design of the site plan, compound layout and pole profile are included in this notification for your reference.

Transport Canada

The tower will be marked in accordance with the Transport Canada and NAV Canada requirements. No marking or lighting is required.

Structural Considerations

Freedom Mobile confirms that the antenna structure described in this notification package will apply good engineering practices including, structural adequacy during construction. The facility will be built to the National Building Code as well as the BC Building Code.

Local Municipality

The City of Langford's New Transmission Tower Policy is to define Council policy with respect to telecommunication towers and antennas, outline community consultation procedures, and to describe municipal expectations with regard to minimizing community impacts from those structures.

General Information

General information relating to antenna systems is available on ISED's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic-gc.nsf/eng/07422.html

Contacts

Freedom Mobile:
c/o Tawny Verigin of Cypress Land Services
Agents for Freedom Mobile
Suite 1051, 409 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2
Phone: 1-855-301-1520
Fax: 604-620-0876
Email: publicconsultation@cypresslandservices.com

City of Langford:
Lauren Morhart, MCIP, RPP
Planner II
City of Langford
2nd floor, 877 Goldstream Ave.
Langford, BC V9B 2X8
Phone:250-474-6919
Fax: 250-391-3436
Email: lmorhart@cityoflangford.ca

ISED:
Vancouver Island Office
1230 Government Street, Room 430
Victoria, BC V8W 3M4
Phone: 250-363-3803
Fax: 250-363-0208
Email: ic.spectrumvictoria-victoriaspectre.ic@canada.ca
(By appointment only)