A proposed 600-foot telecommunications tower on Pelee Island is drawing growing opposition online, with Canadian author Margaret Atwood among those sounding the alarm about its potential impact on migratory birds. The Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO) is calling on the federal government to conduct a full environmental impact assessment before the tower is built. The proposed 182.9-metre tower would be located at 1246 Centre Dyke Road, where conservationists say its height, supporting wires, and nighttime lighting could pose a significant threat to migrating birds. Pelee Island sits along two major North American bird migration routes. “This is the wrong place for it,” PIBO wrote in a Facebook post that has been shared more than 650 times. Atwood, who has longstanding ties to the observatory, has also joined the campaign. “As I say, an emergency! Birdkiller! Endangered species at risk!” she wrote in a Facebook post shared more than 400 times. Township says matter is now federal The tower is being proposed by DRW NX Co., a U.S.-based company involved in high-speed communications for financial trading. Township of Pelee council granted municipal concurrence for the project on Nov. 12, 2025, through a bylaw authorizing the mayor and clerk to sign a letter supporting the proposed installation. The bylaw states the project underwent public consultation and environmental review under applicable regulations. However, PIBO argues the potential effects on migratory birds and species at risk have not been adequately assessed. In a statement to CTV News Windsor, outgoing Mayor Cathy Miller said the township completed its review of the proposal more than a year ago. “The Township is obligated to adhere to default federal protocols and has,” Miller said. “This is now a federal matter.” PIBO has asked the federal government to designate the project for an impact assessment and is encouraging the public to submit letters supporting its request by Monday. The organization argues a more comprehensive review is needed before the project moves forward. CTV News Windsor has reached out to DRW, its consultant Canacre, and federal officials for comment.
