CALGARY- Getting connected to nature is a guarantee in Banff National Park. It’s getting connected to the rest of the world that’s proving to be a problem.
Cell phone users have long complained of service issues in the townsite, and during the June flood some weren’t able to connect for days. Communications companies admit access needs to be improved, but are having trouble getting the necessary approvals.
“We recognize all our visitors bring mobiles, and we want them to share their experience with the world. We just don’t want the infrastructure that comes with them,” explains Darren Enns, a senior planner with the Town of Banff.
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Over the past decade, Rogers has submitted two different proposals for cell towers that could be built along the railroad tracks, that would have been 15 metres higher than the surrounding trees. However, both were shot down by the municipal planning commission.
“We recognize that residents come here to see the mountains, and the impact of a 35-metre tower was just too great,” Enns says.
Residents are also divided, with those against the plan citing concerns about their health and obstructing views. Others say it would be nice to have better cell phone reception.
Rogers is working on another plan, and Telus says they’re also interested in constructing a tower in the town.
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