Update - September 28
We anticipate the new tower build to be structurally completed by mid-October. Tenants are in the process of transitioning their infrastructure onto the new tower. We anticipate this process to take approximately 8 weeks, to the end of November. The lower gates to the park will remain closed in the interest of public safety as the area is still considered an active construction site.
We thank you for your continued patience while we work to finalize this phase of the project.
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.
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 summer of 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, throughout November while tenants transition their infrastructure onto the new tower. The parking lot in front of the gate will still be open and available to use, unless otherwise advised by the project contractor. We anticipate this process to take approximately 8 weeks.
It is anticipated that the gate to Churchill Drive will re-open in December.
The District thanks everyone for their patience and understanding while this much needed project progresses.