But Transport Canada Has Greenlighted The Project

A Canadian communications company has proposed to erect a 131-foot tall cell phone tower about a quarter-mile from the shore of Puslinch Lake, a popular spot for seaplane operations in the region. And local pilots say that the structure will be a hazard to navigation.

Ron Harper, a pilot who bases a seaplane on the lake, said seaplanes stop at the lake for a break, to refuel or get assistance. He told the newspaper The Record that the tower is so close to the edge of the lake that it is definitely going to cause a problem for air seaplane operations at the lake.

The tower is intended to improve cellular service in the region, according to Rogers Communications, the company which has proposed to built the tower. A spokesman said that the company will continue to work with local officials to address safety concerns while "providing much-needed wireless services to area residents."

Transport Canada says the tower can be built as long as it has the proper warning lights. The agency said that the lake is not a certified seaport and is not protected by airport zoning. The agency said in a statement that it is the "pilot's responsibility to be aware of obstacles and ensure they are able to take off and land safely."

But Bernard Gervais, president of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, said that Transport Canada's own guidelines for land use say such towers should be kept at least two and a half miles from seaplane bases "even where airport zoning does not apply." He said while it is not an official regulation, it is a "guideline for common sense."

Rogers had initially planned to build a 165-foot tower, but cut the size down after the public raised concerns. The company told the Puslinch council that it had evaluated 13 other sites for the tower, but found the site near the lake was the only realistic option.

The local government has very little say in where such towers are constructed, according to Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever.

FMI: Original Report