Residents raise concerns at Bell Tower public meeting
by Michelle Minnoch

Libby Campbell asks Bell representative Armando Porco, Project Manager, questions about the tower. photo by Michelle Minnoch

Angered residents showed up to the Thornton Community Centre on Thursday regarding the erection of a 70 Bell Cell Tower on a County Road 27 property.

According to Bell, the site service chosen will be able to serve cellular customers along Hwy. 27 between the 20th Side Road to the north, and the 6th Line to the south.

"I'm really angry about this," said resident Libby Campbell. She said she had first heard about the proposed site when her son told her about the sign posted in Essa Township. She said the sign ran parallel to Hwy. 27, and was hard for people to see. She said she inquired about the placement of the sign by Bell, and was told it was out up as a courtesy only.

Property owners who live within 120 metres of the proposed site received notice of the proposed site on February 6th.

"This is health and safety we are talking about," said Essa resident Joanna Burke. "I can't believe they want to erect a tower around peoples' homes. It just doesn't make sense."

Industry Canada is the federal body in control and responsible for wireless communication. Industry Canada also has exclusive authority in the placement of the tower, and the wireless communication provider is to consult with the public.

According to Bell, "the municipal consultation process allows municipalities and interested citizens to comment on the significant antenna structure proposed within their boundaries".

Media attending were told not to ask any questions on the record and were given two names of people to contact to answer questions. Calls to Bell on Friday and Monday were not returned to The Scope.