SASKATOON – Shiny and white, a brand new cell phone tower is providing coverage previously lacking in the Briarwood neighbourhood.
It has also become a structure of contention in the community as residents whose homes back the park and man-made lake now have a change of view they’re calling an eyesore.
“I’m looking directly at this piece of junk,” said loval resident George Fast.
The location of the structure, in the park along Briarwood Road, became enough of an issue that SaskTel sent a top official from Regina to address residents Wednesday evening.
“I’ve come here strictly to do the consultation and try to alleviate the concerns of the customers and ultimately we’re trying to provide world class services to the customers here” said Daryl Godfrey, SaskTel’s chief technology officer.
SaskTel put up the tower in June. According to Eric Olauson, the city councillor who represents the neighbourhood, it’s built to comply with the city’s construction limitations.
“Back in January, we passed a new policy stating any tower 15 meters and under in height, and outside of the 30 metre property line from any house, did not require public consultation” he said.
Since the tower went up, Olauson says he’s received dozens of phone calls from residents.
Olauson has since asked to change the policy again, requiring companies to notify councillors of proposed tower locations.
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