City council has approved plans for the construction of two new cell towers in Canoe, though not without reservations relating to human health concerns.
With plans for a 45-metre tower on Lyman Hill in North Canoe kyboshed by public opposition, the Standard Land Company, on behalf of Telus, found a new site in Canoe, near Canoe Forest Products, along the Canadian Pacific right of way. Plans for the new location, supported by Mayor Nancy Cooper and Couns. Debbie Cannon, Chad Eliason, Ken Jamieson and Marg Kentel (Couns. Denise Reimer and Alan Harrison weren’t present), involves the installation of two, 24-metre cellular towers.
With a crowd of people in the gallery opposed to the towers, and having received a package of information on the alleged effects radio frequency radiation emitted by cell towers can have on human physiology, council attempted to find balance between public health concerns and technological needs/wants.
“In the short-term, we have to balance the needs of the greater community with approving cell sites, with the inherent risks that come with them,” commented Eliason. “And I think the community is demanding this, the community needs this in moving forward, and for convenience.”
Later, during question period, council was criticized for not taking a more precautionary approach. Cooper replied the city and council are following the standards and guidelines set out by Industry Canada.