A cell tower similar to this one will be built in Qualicum Beach to boost reception, which was lacking in the area. (Sean Kikpatrick/The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

cell service

New cell tower in Qualicum Beach to provide more reliable service

Oct 29, 2020 | 1:01 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — Spotty wireless service in portions of Qualicum Beach are expected to be addressed within the next couple of years.

Telus is advancing plans to construct a 45-metre cellular tower on the Island Hwy. near Eaglecrest Golf Course after receiving approval from town council to deal with longstanding localized communication gaps.

Luke Sales, director of planning with the town of Qualicum Beach, said improved cell service will be key in addressing many needs, including personal safety and overall quality of life.

“It’s important to many of the residents in Eaglecrest and Chartwell to have consistent cell service and this appears to be the best site available to address that need,” Sales said.

Councillors had considered a the nearby 845 Village Way for a cell towner location, but Sales said many people were concerned about visual impacts at a key entrance point to the community.

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He said appearance, height and traffic impacts all pointed to the 2045 Island Hwy. site as the best fit.

Sales said Telus expected to have the tower operational in 2021 or 2022.

A survey released by Telus showed 79 per cent of 180 public submissions were in favour of a new cell tower in Qualicum Beach.

A statement from Telus said improving cell service in the area was in direct response to local demand for increased connectivity.

“Once built, the site will provide 4G LTE service to the community and will be upgraded to future wireless technologies.”

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