SaskTel is looking to replace two existing wireless cell towers in Warman with taller, higher-capacity monopole towers later this year.
The new monopole towers will each be 35 meters tall. One will be located at the existing site of a 14.9 meter-tall cell tower on the Lakeridge Drive road allowance; and the other is slated to replace an existing 25-meter tall tower at 304 Main Street.
The tower replacements are part of SaskTel’s “network modernization program to improve capacity and wireless services within the City of Warman,” according to documents tabled at the Warman City Council committee of the whole meeting on Monday, January 16.
The telecommunications company intends to remove the existing structures and replace them on the same foundations while minimizing any service disruption.
SaskTel also plans on holding public information sessions prior to replacing the towers.
In 2022, SaskTel announced plans to invest approximately $337 million of capital in Saskatchewan in 2022/23 and more than $1.5 billion over the next five years. The upgraded cell towers are needed to accommodate increased wireless voice and data signal loads and improve the speed of transmission.
While cell towers are regulated federally, the city does have some ability to set certain conditions regarding cell tower colour and landscaping.
At the January 16 city council committee of the whole meeting, several councillors expressed the desire to have as much public input as possible into the replacement of existing towers, and the selection of sites for new towers in residential areas that are currently under development.
“Public consultation is needed,” said Councillor Marshall Seed. “There needs to be as much communication as possible.”
Councillor Kevin Tooley suggested future tower sites should be clearly identified so potential home-buyers know well ahead of time where they will be located.