By Steve Hubrecht
There will not be a new cell phone tower in downtown Invermere, at least not in the spot proposed earlier this year by Rogers Communications Inc.
The telecommunications company wants to boost its cell service in Invermere and surrounding area. To do so, it needs to put up a 25-metre high monopole.
A few years ago Rogers outlined a plan to put such a pole near the Columbia Valley Centre (CVC). Invermere councillors did not like that location, saying it was much too close to a daycare (the Windermere Valley Childcare Society), and to the CVC, a flagship public facility. They also felt it would be a considerable eyesore at the start of Invermere’s downtown core.
Rogers went back to the drawing board and in spring 2024 suggested putting the tower on a 10 metre by 10 metre square piece of District of Invermere-owned land just behind Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.
In recent months several residents, including some who live close by, expressed opposition to that spot. They cited the tower’s proximity to homes, and its potential affect on the downtown Invermere Farmers’ and Artists Market, on nearby shops, and on events such as concerts held outdoors in the downtown area. They also raised concerns about nearby wildlife (such as an osprey nest) and expressed worry about potential health impacts.
The company sought public feedback throughout the fall, and received approximately 30 letters. A handful were in support of the location, with people pleased at the prospect of better cell service. But an overwhelming majority were in opposition.
During the Tuesday, Dec. 10 committee of the whole meeting, Invermere councillors turned down the request from Rogers to use the site, and instead asked the company to find an alternate spot, with less impact on the community.
Invermere councillor Kayja Becker explained that council is curious if it’s possible for Rogers to put its main tower somewhere at least slightly out of town and then have a much smaller booster tower in the heart of the community.
“We want to find out if we can make it more palatable for people. Does it (the main tower) have to go somewhere so near residents?” wondered Becker.
“It is a public safety issue not to have good cell coverage. We need that. But on the other hand I understand the concerns. I wouldn’t want to live near a cell tower either.”
