Calmar receives application for new internet tower

CALMAR -- An internet service provider is seeking to construct a 46-metre-tall internet tower in Calmar.

The applicant, MCSNet, is currently in the process of seeking feedback from adjacent landowners and interested parties about the potential erection of the free-standing tower on 47th Avenue. Although they are not regulated by municipalities, applicants for these types of structures are required by the federal government to conduct public consultation and follow local regulations and bylaws. If approved, the tower would become the tallest structure in the Town of Calmar. 

"46-metres would be the highest structure in town, if it gets approved by the federal government," said Sylvain Losier, CAO for the Town of Calmar. "It would be visible from everywhere in Calmar. That's just the reality. From a Land Use Bylaw perspective, I think it's going to come down to security, safety, and the location component."

The proposed location is on the fringe of the currently developed area, with nothing east of it. If approved, the tower would be located between non-residential buildings and the empty field to the east. Losier says that Calmar staff has not been made privy as to why this location is being proposed (4815 47 Street, Calmar Legion site) versus behind the Legion's building, which would be further away of the highway. 

Under section 9.19 of Calmar's Land Use Bylaw, town council must pen a letter of either support or non-support, pending the applicant's ability to meet the elements identified in the section. At their meeting on Aug. 10, 2026, council passed a motion to direct administration to acquire the necessary information to evaluate the ability of the applicant to meet their requirements.