Public meeting for new Bell cell tower
by Richard Blanchard

Essa council learned Wednesday night that local residents are objecting to a proposal to locate a new Bell Mobility cellular phone tower south of Thornton.

Township planner Colleen Philips told council that the township had already received some complaints about the placement of the 70 metre tower which is slated to be located on the south half of Part Lot 1, Concession 6 in Innisfil.

"I understand that a petition has been started which asks for the tower to be relocated," she said.

The area around Thornton has suffered from poor coverage for a number years which sees a high drop-off rate and the inability, especially to the west of Thornton in Essa township, to even make a phone call.

Phillips said that the calls opposing the tower had expressed concerns about radiation from the tower and suggested that it be placed away from the built-up area in Thornton.

The open house on the tower will be held in Thornton at the Community Centre on Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.