Leeds and Thousand Islands approves new internet tower for Reynolds Road

A new telecommunications tower will soon rise at 557A Reynolds Road, with Leeds and the Thousand Islands council approving a motion to issue a letter of concurrence for the project after a thorough consultation process.

The 45-metre self-supporting tower, proposed by Xplore Inc. represented by Forbes Bros Ltd., aims to expand wireless coverage and capacity in the area.

While there is an existing Bell tower on the property, officials determined it was at capacity and could not accommodate Xplore’s needs.

While council supported the project, Coun. Jeff Lackie raised concerns about the long-term impact of unused towers.

“Sooner or later, we’ll have these toothpicks sticking out of the ground,” he said, requesting reassurances that Xplore would remove the structure if it becomes obsolete.

A comment has been included in the approval, ensuring the company takes responsibility for dismantling the tower if it is no longer in use.

“The best we can do is make the comment and that’s part of their process, but because we don’t regulate it, we don’t permit it, there’s really no… we can ask and that’s about the best we can do,” said Marnie Venditti, the township’s director of planning and development.

The project aligns with a federal initiative to improve rural internet access, she added.

“There’s a mandate to get this done,” she said, though she could not provide a timeline for construction.