Proposed New Bell Mobility Tower

Bell recently concluded the public consultation process for a new antenna tower and will be seeking support from the City of Whitehorse on November 24, 2014. Bell would like to thank the Hillcrest Community, Government of Yukon and the Yukon Transportation Museum for their continued support of this project that will deliver high speed LTE service to Whitehorse Airport and the Hillcrest community.

Why is Bell proposing to build an antenna site?

Due to a high demand for wireless data devices—likes smartphones, tablets and laptops—Bell needs to upgrade its network in Whitehorse. To improve wireless service to the Hillcrest community and Whitehorse Airport, a new antenna tower is required where service is most needed.

Bell reached out to the Hillcrest community in May 2014, inviting comments on two proposed tower locations on the west side of the Alaska Highway. The community responded, preferring an antenna tower on the east side of the Alaska Highway, near the Yukon Transportation Museum. Although in 2013 the Yukon Government rejected Bell's proposal to use land near the Yukon Transportation Museum, since receiving the comments from the Hillcrest community, the Yukon Government has been working with Bell on this proposal. Bell's goal is to start preparations for this site as soon as possible, understanding - of course - that winter is fast approaching.

Why does Bell need to build an antenna tower?

In identifying potential locations for a new telecommunications tower, a number of factors are considered, including local customer demand for wireless service, radio frequency network design, land use and area topography.

From the perspective of network design, to improve service to the Hillcrest area and Whitehorse Airport, a new antenna tower needs to be located within near the intersection of Hillcrest Drive and the Alaska Highway.

Bell strongly supports placing antennas on existing structures to service areas - - like rooftops or other towers - - to minimize the number of new towers and reduce infrastructure costs. However, there are no existing structures in and around the intersection of Hillcrest Drive and the Alaska Highway offering a height of 20+ metres to support Bell antennas.

What locations has Bell considered?

For more than two years Bell has investigated many potential site locations in the Hillcrest and Whitehorse Airport area. Today, there are three locations that work for the Bell network. 

Antenna Tower Location 1 (Preferred): Land owned by the Yukon Government, south of the Yukon Transportation Museum, north of the Beringia Centre parking lot.

Antenna Tower Site Location 2: Land owned by Yukon Government approximately 100 metres south west of the intersection of Hillcrest Drive and the Alaska Highway.

Antenna Tower Site Location 3: Land owned by the Yukon Bible Fellowship Foursqare Church at 1600 Hillcrest Drive.

What will the antenna tower look like?

Bell proposes to build a monopole tower 25 metres in height (this height was approved by Transport Canada). The antenna tower will need to be painted with red and white markings and a light will be required.

What exactly is a monopole tower?

A monopole tower is a pole-shaped tower with antennas mounted at the top. Below are photo-simulations of the proposed monopole south of the Yukon Transportation Museum.

Proximity to Airport

Any site near an airport must comply with Transport Canada, Navigation Canada and the  Whitehorse Airport zoning regulations, which limit the height of any tower in the area. Bell applied to Transport Canada and received an approved Aeronautical Assessment, stamped by a
Civil Aviation Safety Inspector, confirming a 25 metre tower is allowed with lighting and marking, which Bell agrees to include in the tower design. Shortly after receiving approval from Transport Canada in October, Bell received approval from Navigation Canada. Based on Transport Canada and Navigation Canada approval, Whitehorse Airport has indicated it has no concerns.

How is the community being consulted?

Bell pre-consulted with the community, inviting feedback on proposed locations and designs, as well as accepted suggestions for other locations or designs. Bell has appreciated the efforts of
the Hillcrest Community and the Yukon Transportation Museum to work both the Yukon Government and Bell in identifying an acceptable location for an antenna tower on the east side of the Alaska Highway.

Bell initiated Industry Canada’s Default Public Consultation Process on September 26, 2014, where notification packages were issued to residents and businesses within a radius of 75 metres. Bell received comments of support and 1 comment of non-support within the 30 day
comment period. All correspondence was shared with the City of Whitehorse on October 30^th and will be considered during the Standing Committee Meeting on November 17^th and later by City Council on November 24^th.

How can I participate?

The comment period has now closed.

Since April 2014, there have been over 450+ unique views on the PlaceSpeak page, which
indicates community interest in the proposed Bell project. Bell thanks everyone
who contributed to the community consultation process.

Is this antenna tower safe?

As with all Bell Mobility sites, this antenna tower will fully comply with the current health and safety guidelines set by Health Canada which limits public exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy. The limits specified in guidelines called Safety Code 6 are based on an ongoing review of published scientific studies on the health impacts of RF energy.

For more information, including myths and facts, please go to Heath Canada's website.

Note: This website is best viewed using Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher.