Rogers sought Port Clements support for proposed wireless tower

Port Clements council heard a request from Rogers Communications regarding a proposed 53-metre wireless telecommunications tower northeast of the village during its May 19 regular meeting.

According to documents included in the council agenda package, Rogers completed its public consultation process and sought formal concurrence from the Village of Port Clements for the project.

The proposed tower was planned for a site near 180 Highway 16 on an industrial property approximately 750 metres northeast of Port Clements. Rogers stated the installation formed part of a broader plan to expand wireless service coverage along Highway 16 between Masset and Sandspit, including eight new wireless sites planned across Haida Gwaii.

The company said the proposed installation would help provide “continuous and uninterrupted coverage” in the Port Clements area.

Planning documents described the structure as a guyed tower standing approximately 53 metres tall and supporting 4G and 5G wireless equipment. Rogers stated a fenced equipment area would be constructed at the base of the tower.

According to the application, Rogers reviewed existing structures for possible co-location opportunities but concluded there were no structures in the area tall enough to effectively provide service coverage. The company noted the proposed tower could still accommodate future co-location requests from other licensed carriers.

Rogers said public consultation included mailed notices to nearby properties, advertisements in Haida Gwaii News and three public open houses held in Masset, Port Clements and Skidegate in February.

The consultation summary stated approximately 16 people attended the Port Clements open house, with comments described as “generally supportive” of both the project and Rogers’ broader wireless expansion plans for Haida Gwaii.

Public comments included support for improved cellphone coverage, faster internet access and expanded emergency communications capacity on Haida Gwaii.

Rogers also stated applications had been submitted to Transport Canada and NAV CANADA regarding aviation review requirements. According to the application, no tower lighting or aviation paint markings were anticipated, meaning the structure was expected to have less visual impact than traditionally lit telecommunications towers.

Council’s decision on the concurrence request was not available by press time.