New cell towers bring improved wireless coverage to Campbell River, Cowichan Valley

Two new cellular towers on Vancouver Island are expected to improve wireless coverage and emergency connectivity in parts of Campbell River and the Cowichan Valley.

Wireless infrastructure company Terrion says it has completed two new cell towers, one serving the We Wai Kai Nation community of Quinsam and portions of Highway 19 and northwestern Campbell River, with the other tower west of Duncan in the Sahtlam area of the Cowichan Valley.

The Quinsam tower will help strengthen coverage in the growing Quinsam Crossing commercial district, according to Terrion and the local First Nation.

“The We Wai Kai Nation is proud to partner with Terrion as we want to continue building relationships with telecommunication companies throughout our territory, and bring certainty for customers as this will help with better coverage and be helpful in emergency situations,” said We Wai Kai Nation Chief Ronnie Chickite.

Terrion previously built a cellular site at the We Wai Kai campsite on Quadra Island in 2022, which the company says provides cellular coverage across more than 40 kilometres of surrounding waterways.

The company says the new tower follows another infrastructure investment made at the north end of Campbell River last year, with additional upgrades planned for the Willow Point area in 2026.

The Sahtlam area tower in the Cowichan Valley is also intended to address long-standing connectivity gaps in the rural community, strengthening coverage along the Cowichan River corridor.

According to the company, the tower will provide improved wireless service, support remote work and ensure more reliable access to emergency services including 911.

“This project reflects our commitment to facilitating reliable wireless connectivity to rural communities just beyond urban centres, where service gaps can have real impacts on safety and opportunity,” said Terrion chief commerical officer Tony Buu.

Terrion says it plans to allow multiple telecom providers to use the towers through shared infrastructure agreements.