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Microcell opposes MD of Foothills' co-location agreement for new cell towers
By John BarlowStaff Reporter and Sports Editor
Microcell Connexions has voiced concerns regarding a co-utilization agreement ordered by the Foothills MD council as a condition on the company's development permit for a telecommunications tower north of Okotoks.
Gail Van Dyck of Microcell Connexions sent a letter to council outlining the company's concerns regarding the cellular tower located on a quarter-section owned by Bill Hebson at SE 17-21-29 W4.
The 200-foot communications tower is on a 0.006-acre parcel on the west side of Highway 2A.
'Microcell accepts that council may incorporate conditions in a development permit,' said Van Dyck. 'The conditions outlined in the (development permit) are unusual and have no precedent.'
She added, 'It is our view that the conditions sought by the municipality go beyond what is provided for in the (Municipal Government Act).'
The co-utilization agreement was developed by council to encourage more than one telecommunications company using each tower. Council hopes the end result will be fewer towers dotting the foothills' skyline.
Microcell Connexions is arguing three points with the MD including the municipality requesting an indemnity, demanding a caveat on title requiring co-location on the telecommunications tower and that Microcell pay all legal fees in the preparation of the co-utilization agreement.
MD development officer Heather McInnes said companies such as Microcell Connexions are reluctant to accept anyone who wants to locate on one of their towers.
'There is too much liability,' said McInnes of Microcell's concerns. 'They are not prepared to (sign the agreement as it stands).'
However, council stated they are not attempting to break new ground with its co-utilization condition set on Microcell Connexions.
Other municipalities such as the City of Calgary have negotiated similar agreements with telecommunications companies.
'This is not a novel idea that we are attempting here,' said Councillor Michele Veldhoen.
Councillor Al Taylor added that the municipality cannot waver on its goal of limiting the number of cellular towers in the MD.
'We have to make a stand,' said Taylor. 'These companies should not apply for a development permit unless they agree to enter into a co-utilization agreement. If they refuse, we will refuse the permit.'
'We do not want a proliferation of these towers in the MD and co-utilization is the only way we can do that,' he added.
Van Dyck countered saying that Microcell does not oppose co-utilization, in fact, her company encourages it.
She stated that Microcell is currently looking at three applications for co-location on its new tower.
However, Van Dyck said her company does not want to be forced into co-location by agreeing to the MD's agreement.
Council has invited representatives from Microcell and other telecommunications companies to a meeting tentatively scheduled for January to discuss the MD's new co-location policy.
In addition, the MD may bring up the issue of telecommunications towers at the fall convention of Alberta municipalities.
Carrot top singers
This group of singers from Big Rock School led everyone in a carrot action song at Dr. Morris Gibson school before donating vegetables to local food banks. Dignitaries including Iris Evans, Minister of Childrens Services and MLA Don Tannas were on hand for the Carrots for Caring Kids presentation. Foothills School Division schools were invited to plant seeds, harvest the vegetables and donate the crops to local food banks.
- photo by Lynn Sketchley
CrimeStoppers
High River RCMP are requesting the public's assistance in solving a theft of a Trike sometime in the night of Sept. 28. The Trike was on the back of a truck parted in the Heritage Inn parking lot. It is described as an older model red Honda 250 ATV.
Anyone with information regarding this theft is asked to call the High River RCMP at 652-2357 or Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for this or any other crime. Crime Stoppers also pays cash rewards for information on any unsolved crimes. Phone Crime Stoppers now at 1-800-242-TIPS (8477) or Okotoks RCMP. Remember, you will not have to reveal your identity.
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