Trustees have asked district staff not to interfere with B.C. Hydro’s program to install smart meters at schools, but a motion to rescind an earlier decision to put a hold on the installation failed.
In September, the board passed a motion to put a hold on installation of the meters at school sites after hearing concerns from the public about potential negative health effects for students.
The board has since heard from B.C. Hydro representatives and were provided with additional information about the meters, including a letter from a Vancouver Island Health Authority medical health officer, which cites a B.C. Centre of Disease Control study indicating the meters are in compliance with Canadian safety requirements.
Staff recommended trustees reverse their stance, but only five trustees agreed – six votes are needed to rescind a motion. The second motion to not interfere with the installation was approved to acknowledge that B.C. Hydro has given no other option to the wireless meters.
A letter from the power company indicated that smart meter installation would resume on Nov. 24.
