Bell proposes 55-metre 5G tower built on Orillia church’s property

Bell has submitted a proposal to build a new 55-metre 5G tower in Orillia, Ont., but with a twist: it would sit on a church property.

The self-supporting tower would be built on the Calvary Pentecostal Church property at 375 Westmount Drive North, right beside Highway 11. Interestingly, it is across the street from where notable Canadian musician Gordon Lightfoot is buried.

Bell says that the new site will improve local wireless coverage, strengthen indoor cell signal, increase network capacity, deliver faster speeds, and help serve businesses and residents along the Highway 11 corridor.

The telecom giant says that the growing demand for wireless service is driving the need for additional infrastructure, and that the tower would complement the company’s existing sites in the area.

The church’s pastor told Orillia Matters that Bell first approached it about two years ago, and after consultations, the local board agreed to host the tower. Bell later offered compensation for use of the property—the amount of which has not been disclosed. Commenters on the story expressed relief at the news, with many noting that Bell has poor service in the area.

Now, this is still a proposal, and Bell is currently going through the public consultation process. Anyone can comment to consultation@canacre.com by October 30, 2026, and must use the reference number X6548.

Header image credit: Bell

Source: The City of Orillia via PlanHub