A new cell tower is now under construction at the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre on Hammond Bay Rd., and is expected to improve cell service in a notorious dead spot. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

can you hear me now?

‘Enhance coverage and reliability:’ construction starts on north Nanaimo cell tower

Oct 24, 2025 | 10:36 AM

NANAIMO — Construction has begun on a project to improve cell phone connectivity to the city’s north end.

Wireless tower operator Terrion has begun work on site of the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre on Hammond Bay Rd. for a new cell tower, which is expected to bring significantly more reliable signal strength to much of the main north end corridor.

The 63-metre tall tower was approved by the City of Nanaimo and Regional District of Nanaimo earlier this year, with the project submitted to the federal regulator, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

“This new site will enhance coverage and reliability for the Hammond Bay community, supporting both residents and local businesses,” Tony Buu, chief commercial officer at Terrion, said in a statement. “We’re delivering modern, shared infrastructure that brings lasting benefits to the community.”

It’s expected the improved service will come online by early 2026, with TELUS and Rogers customers benefitting from the installation.

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RDN board chair Vanessa Craig said the new tower will serve more than just those who live in the surrounding area.

“This project will not only provide greatly needed communication infrastructure to the community, but it will also improve the RDN’s ability to operate the Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Center safely and efficiently.”

Illustration of pending enhanced wireless services in Nanaimo’s Hammond Bay area. (City of Nanaimo)

While the project was overwhelmingly supported by area residents, it won’t solve the issue of poor service completely.

Several homes still fall well outside the coverage scope and will see minimal to no improvements in coverage.

Barry Lyseng spoke to Nanaimo Councillors on behalf of the Linley Valley-Stephenson Point Neighbourhood Association in late February 2025, stating roughly two kilometres of the Hammond Bay Rd. corridor would be left without any meaningful change.

A number of cell towers in Nanaimo were advanced to ISED in recent months, including another one in the north end projected to be installed along Hwy. 19A, near Mary Ellen Dr.

Another atop Rutherford Rd. was forwarded in June, while two smaller ones are pending for the growing Harewood neighbourhood.

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