Cell phone reception for those working, arriving or departing around the Comox Airport should improve, as Comox council approved a development permit for the construction of a Telus communications tower near the airport.
Following a delegation presentation Wednesday, council approved the monopole towner (which is proposed to be 40 metres tall), a 10-cubic-metre equipment shelter with an optional propane generator, on land purchased by the Comox Valley Airport Commission, kitty-corner to the air terminal.
According to a spokeswoman, the lack of cellular coverage around the airport and 19 Wing Comox is the second-most problematic area in B.C.
Both NAV Canada and 19 Wing Comox have reviewed the proposal in relation to flight path implications and neither have any objections to the tower.
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Community members addressed council Wednesday to seek suspension of a proposed pathway project at Cottonwood Lane.
Neighbours packed council chambers in hope of convincing councillors the cost of creating a footpath winding behind Dogwood Street and Robb Avenue is not worth taxpayer dollars.
They presented a petition and argued lack of notification and consultation was a key concern, along with high cost while other projects are more pressing.
They also noted the greenspace should be a ‘green space’, as construction of the path could see existing trees, shrubs and grass removed.
Following a lengthy debate and failed motions to temporary suspend the project to allow further neighbourhood consultation, council decided the project will proceed as planned.
Al Fraser, superintendent of parks for the town noted the project — which is out for tender — is scheduled to begin by mid-August.
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A rezoning and development permit application was referred for comment to the Town’s advisory planning commission for a residential development at 221 Glacier View Dr.
The proposed development consists of seven multi-family dwellings, which representatives for the development noted would be of “west-coast character” with strong pedestrian connections between units and the neighbourhood.
Currently, the property is zoned single family and an OCP amendment would be required.
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