Saanich is placing a new communications tower at the PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) summit. The current tower must be replaced due to aging infrastructure and new federal regulatory standards that came into effect in 2025. The tower is a critical component of public safety and cell phone communications in the region.
June 5, 2026 update
The District of Saanich’s contractor will be undertaking monopole transportation and installation from June 8th to and including June 12th, 2026 at PKOLS (Mt Douglas Park). To ensure public safety, the parking lot at the base of Churchill Drive will be closed from June 8-12th. Pedestrians must use caution around the areas due to large equipment being transported from the base to the summit. There may also be trail closures at the summit. The parking lot may reopen sooner if work is complete earlier than anticipated. The parking lot gate is anticipated to remain closed until the end of June as this stage of work is finalized.
Background
Geotechnical exploratory work was completed to confirm the replacement telecommunications tower location, adjacent to the current tower.
Construction by TEP Canada began in January 2026 and is anticipated to be completed in late spring 2026. It includes a new foundation, monopole, raceway cable path, and carrier equipment installation. The second phase of removing the current tower is anticipated to begin in the fall of this year.
During these periods, for safety reasons, the PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) will experience restricted access and closures. Security measures will be in place around the summit area. Signs will also be located throughout the park on trails leading to the summit advising of restricted access.
The gate to Churchill Drive will remain closed at all times, unless otherwise noted, until the end of June while the building phase of the new tower is underway. The parking lot in front of the gate will still be open and available to use, unless otherwise advised by the project contractor.
While Churchill Drive remains closed, other trails and parking lots within the park will remain open. Trails leading to the summit will have restricted access at the summit. A map with closures will be provided.
The District thanks everyone for their patience and understanding while this much needed project progresses.