An open letter to Mayor Nancy Cooper:
I viewed the video of the session concerning Wi-Fi in city parks.
Only one councilor addressed health safety, something I found quite discouraging. Council has been made aware several times of citizen concerns about the health threats of Wi-Fi radiation through public rallies, local press and direct address in council.
Nevertheless, without public consultation and without regard for safety issues, you have voted to flood public parks with Wi-Fi radiation.
The result is that you have either made our parks inaccessible to many citizens of Salmon Arm and visitors from abroad, or you have put them all at personal risk. It is unthinkable that you would have knowingly made such a decision had you done your homework.
Even a quick scan of the science concerning Wi-Fi radiation reveals that the scientific community is in a state of doubt about whether or not such radiation is harmful.
The principle of safety is simple: Where there is doubt about the public safety of anything that is optional, unnecessary, and non-essential, city council should unanimously vote to protect the public, not impose a threat on them – which, in effect, you have now done.
I am, apparently, not affected by Wi-Fi radiation (time will tell, says the science), so I use it in my home; however, when guests who are affected by Wi-Fi radiation arrive, I turn off all sources of Wi-Fi. I think that is the least I can do for those I care for.
I also host a radio show in a studio where Wi-Fi transmission is very strong, so I provide vulnerable guests with the option of being interviewed elsewhere.
Since you cannot turn off Wi-Fi when at-risk visitors arrive, you should refuse to allow Wi-Fi in the parks.
I remain respectful, but alarmed and disappointed.
Jerre Paquette, PhD