The Town of High River will be erecting a new 100 foot communications tower adjacent to the fire hall in the coming months.

Manager of Information Technology for the town Kent Blair says they found the perfect location for it.

"At the east side of the fire hall on the berm, close to the Chev Olds dealership. One of the trees came down many years ago, so we're going to plunk it in between the two remaining 65 foot trees. Town Council has asked that we camo paint it as best as we possibly can."

Blair says it's an integral piece of equipment.

"It's mainly to complete the SCADA communications for various lift stations and other operational requirements for the town."

He says in the past Municipalities were exempt from needing any approval but as of July 2104 all structures over 50 feet require a permit from Industry Canada.

He says once the tower is in place they intend to utilize a 3.8 GHZ  frequency intended for government and emergency services.

"Home networks in the surrounding area are all operating with the 2.4 GHZ and the 5 GHZ frequencies. The work that we're doing is being interfered with by these private signals from homes and businesses."

He says it will clean up all of the interference around town and will affect no one.

Blair says the town will hold an Open House in the coming weeks and a mail out will also be done for those in the affected area.

Photo - Submitted.

Photo - Submitted.