The City of Rigaud would like to remind residents that they have until July 27 to vote in a referendum on the second draft of by-law 275-27-2023 concerning the zoning of telecommunication towers.

On July 11, Council unanimously adopted a draft by-law to review the location of telecommunication towers on the territory of the Ville de Rigaud.

However, as certain points of this by-law are subject to a request for referendum approval, the Town is asking the citizens concerned to give their opinion.

Once adopted, the new by-law will amend the existing one. 

What the new by-law provides for

According to the explanatory document available on the Town's website, the new by-law will allow the installation of telecommunications towers in all zones "when it is a utilitarian arrangement under the aegis of a public body or public utility such as a telecommunications, telephone, radio or cable company, involving the use of one or more antennas or towers for the collection or transmission of signals".

Current regulations authorize the installation of telecommunication towers within the industrial zone, public zones and commercial zones, provided they are located at least 30 metres from any street right-of-way.

The second by-law would also prescribe new standards for antennas and telecommunication towers.

These new standards are designed to protect natural environments, wetlands, heritage sites and landscape paths. They are also intended to ensure the safety of citizens living near installations, and to force the dismantling of non-functional towers.

Request for referendum approval

Citizens concerned by this by-law may submit a request to the Town Clerk's Office. To be eligible, an application must 

• Indicate clearly and precisely the provision (article) that is the subject of the request, as well as the by-law number;
• Indicate the zone from which it originates;
• Be received at the Town Clerk's Office at 106 rue Saint-Viateur, Rigaud (regardless of postal delays), or by e-mail at [email protected] no later than July 27, 2023, 4:30 p.m;
• Be signed by at least 12 interested persons in the zone from which it originates, or by at least the majority of them if the number of interested persons in the zone does not exceed 21;
• Clearly identify the surname, first name and address of the signatories;
• Come from the zone concerned or from any zone contiguous to it.

To learn more about the referendum process and by-law 275-27-2023, visit the Ville de Rigaud website.