Kirkland aims to restrict cell towers

Kirkland aims to amend a zoning bylaw in the new year to control the location of cell towers in its territory despite federal jurisdiction in radio-communications.

While Kirkland director general Joe Sanalitro acknowledges federal laws may override zoning bylaws, he mentioned a few Quebec municipalities have tested the waters with zoning rules.

“We’re working on a bylaw but it won’t be ready for a couple of months,” he said last week after council approved a notion of motion to restrict the location of telecommunication antennas.

Mayor John Meaney said the city is taking action to prevent a situation like the one which occurred this past spring when Rogers Communications erected a 4.5-metre tower in a backyard on Acres St. with that particular homeowner’s consent but without any prior notice to civic officials or neighbours who vehemently objected.

Kirkland negotiated for several weeks with Rogers and found alternative sites, which the company could exploit without bothering residents. Rogers also agreed to dismantle the tower on Acres, which had never been activated.

The mayor pointed out new wireless communication antennas or towers are popping up all over the place to meet market demands.

“We think we can define the area where they can go in,” Meaney said of the proposed zoning change being prepared.

“There’s to be none in residential areas,” he added.

By designating which areas are deemed acceptable to the city, the mayor hopes to avoid “fighting tooth and nail” with communication companies.