Regional District of Central Kootenay welcomes new wireless investment from Rogers Communications in Pass Creek and Crescent Valley
December 16, 2021
Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) today announced Rogers Communications has committed to bridging the gap in connectivity in Pass Creek and Crescent Valley by building two new cell towers to expand cellular service and coverage.
RDCK Electoral Area I Director Andy Davidoff and RDCK Electoral Area H Director Walter Popoff, along with the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation, have been working with Rogers Communications to come up with a solution to connectivity issues in the Slocan and Pass Creek Valleys. Rogers is prepared to commit up to $2 million to build two cell towers in Pass Creek and Crescent Valley.
Director Davidoff, welcomes the commitment that will enhance safety for residents and economic development in the Pass Creek Valley:
“These towers are imperative to improving public safety and connecting our region to the rest of the province and country. All of our emergency service providers have been requesting cell service in Pass Creek as a safety measure for many years to avoid situations where fire and police departments or residents are unable to communicate because of a lack of cell service during an emergency.”
“Enhanced cell coverage goes a long way toward helping people stay connected with their loved ones, and more importantly, safe on roadways and in rural areas,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “Our government is working with private sector partners to enhance connectivity across the province, and I’m glad to see those partners taking the lead and connecting even more of British Columbia.”
“This is a long time coming for our community and countless hours have been spent working with Rogers and Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation, to come up with a solution,” said RDCK Area H Director, Walter Popoff. “After the Lemon Creek jet fuel spill in 2013 I realized how important it is to the safety of Area H residents to have cell service in the Slocan Valley and I have been working towards that end over these last few years.”
The funding commitment from Rogers will cover 100 per cent of the cost of construction and equipment.
“By Rogers covering the entire cost, this will free up funds to put towards completing energy upgrades and a potential childcare service at the Pass Creek Community Hall,” added Davidoff.
Rogers will be starting the comprehensive regulatory process to obtain approval for the two towers, including a collaborative process to determine optimal sites to ensure the largest amount of coverage for the area with the least amount of impact to the community.
Click here to view a print-friendly PDF version.
The content on this page was last updated December 16 2021 at 12:50 AM