Residents in north Nanaimo have long been in a cell phone dead spot, mainly around Piper's Lagoon, Neck Point and along Hammond Bay Rd., but work is slowly being done to fix the issue. (Google Maps/Dreamstime illustration)

By Ian Holmes

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‘We’re very well aware:’ City of Nanaimo looks to help close cell phone gaps

Feb 13, 2023 | 5:30 AM

NANAIMO — Filling a significant cellular dead zone in the city is one part of a wider telecommunications strategy being transcribed for the City.

Bill Corsan, the City of Nanaimo’s director of corporate and business development, said a consultant is working with them to formulate a plan, including addressing areas where cell phone coverage is lacking.

“We’re very well aware of the challenges in the Hammond Bay area around Neck Point and Pipers Lagoon, those have been ongoing for well over a decade now. We’ve been working with the telecommunications providers to see who we can address those gaps in the near future.”

Corsan said finding suitable locations for a Hammond Bay cell tower has yet to be determined.

While Industry Canada has the final say on where cell phone towers are located, Corsan said the federal regulator favours local input.

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Cell phone tower proposals by Telus in Hammond Bay were rejected by the Regional District of Nanaimo board and City Council respectively in 2011 and 2014 following health and aesthetic concerns from local residents.

Corsan believes views are changing and that people are generally more accepting of cell towers.

He said both Telus and Rogers are keenly interested in filling the Hammond Bay cellular void.

Thousands of people in north Nanaimo’s Hammond Bay area have either none, weak or intermittent cellular service.

“Whenever we see these gaps we know we need to work to fill them,” Corsan told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He noted there is also a small area in central Nanaimo in the Beban Park area with spotty cell service.

The City is also looking to better understand what would be required to accomodate a 5G network in Nanaimo.

The next generation technology would greatly enhance internet and data capability, which is included in the City’s ongoing telecommunications work.

“We wanted to be better prepared for those requests when they come in,” Corsan said.

In 2019, Telus invested in fibre optic technology to more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses in Nanaimo and Lantzville.

Corsan said the 5G network can be tied into Telus’ fibre optic technology.

Until the Hammond Bay cell phone coverage gap is addressed, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief Geoff Whiting suggests those affected rely on an old-fashioned landline.

“It is an extra cost, but it gives you that peace of mind that you’d be able to get through to 911 if needed.”

Whiting said fire crews have unobstructed radio communication in Hammond Bay between its members and dispatchers.

“Previously that area was a dead area for radio communications, we now have technology in place which addressed that,” Whiting said.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes