Citizens speak against cell tower
Members of the public urged Bell to alter plans to build a cell phone tower north of Creemore, and questioned whether one is even necessary at a meeting on Monday night.
About 40 citizens attended the Public Meeting about the tower, which Bell proposed in January.
Ferdinand Staab, consultant land-use planner with Bell Mobility, explained that Bell selected the tower’s 10 Hill location because: it is the highest point in the area; has a willing landlord; is 450 m away from the nearest residence; has road access; and is close to a power line.
He was then put on the spot by nine members of the public who urged Council to direct Bell to consider more options, citing a variety of concerns including the height of the tower and its effect on property values.
A few citizens disputed the accuracy of the maps Staab presented showing quality of cell phone service in the area. One person said that when he took a Bell Mobility phone and a Rogers phone to all the places on the map that Bell purports had no coverage, he received good service with no problems. Councillor Brent Preston, who is a Bell subscriber, said he also had good service in areas that the map says has none.
Another Bell user admitted that he was “totally unaware and baffled” about the issue, because he hadn’t had any problems with his reception.
The location of the proposed tower was also questioned. Two citizens voiced concerns about aviation safety, as the tower is not lit in an area where ORNGE helicopters and private aircraft pass through.
When asked about the effects of such a tower on migratory bird patterns, Staab said that studies haven’t been extensive and he didn’t believe it affected them. However, another citizen took the microphone to counter that hundreds of birds in the area fly over the proposed location.
One speaker said the tower went against everything the Township had to offer. “This town is called Clearview for a reason,” he said.
Councillor Thom Paterson asked Bell to consider erecting a smaller tower similar to the 15-m construction in Creemore. Staab said a smaller tower wouldn’t have all the technology Dunedin needs.
But where was Dunedin in the discussion? When the Mayor asked Staab how many customers Bell has in Dunedin, he didn’t know.
Preston mentioned the Dunedin residents he had spoken with hadn’t expressed “an overwhelming joy” at the thought of improved cell service. He added that no one thought having broadband Internet was a great change because it is so costly with cell service. The people who need it – including himself – use satellite service, Preston said.
“It is not well balanced with the concerns that we have. We need to find some alternative,” Preston said.
Currently, the Township is waiting for Staab to address the public’s concerns before meeting again about other options. In the meantime, the Township will continue to send public comments to Bell.
If you have something to say, contact: Rossalyn Workman at rworkman@clearview.ca, 705-428-6230 or Clearview Township, 217 Gideon Street, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0.
