A new policy has been created for Salmon Arm which governs location of cell phone towers and outlines the accompanying consultation process – a policy which doesn’t satisfy all the wishes of Citizens for Safe Technology.
Kevin Pearson, director of development services, explained that council had asked staff to create a policy that mirrors Industry Canada’s revised protocol (2014) and includes design guidelines and notification requirements.
The new policy, which will go to the April 27 meeting of council, will refer to all new towers, no matter their height. A proponent would be required to inform property owners within 100 metres or three times the height of their tower.
The consultation period with the public will be up to a maximum of 120 days.
Staff said the new policy will also inform those concerned with health and safety issues where to send complaints to federal officials, noting the city has no control over them.
Regarding small cell technology, which is usually less than one cubic metre and can be attached to lamp posts or hydro poles, the new policy’s initial wording stated the city ‘requests’ notification of any installations in the city.
Coun. Tim Lavery emphasized he would like to see the word ‘requests’ replaced with ‘expects,’ adding he would like to see a tally of such installations.
Both Lavery and Coun. Alan Harrison said public input is welcome, Harrison noting it should be sent to council, not staff, as staff are following council’s direction.
Pearson noted the policy is not a bylaw, so can be easily updated.
Outside city hall after the meeting Monday, a number of citizens who have been advocating for change, particularly regarding what they consider the folly of following the federal government’s Safety Code 6, expressed their reactions to the new city policy. Safety Code 6 lays out the level of electromagnetic radiation that Industry Canada considers safe, one which Citizens for Safe Technology say is too high.
The group of citizens told the Observer the new policy doesn’t address the public health and safety concerns.
Ronn Boeur said he is also concerned about two things: that Rogers is planning to put up another tower and that small cell antennas will be excluded from the new policy.
“They can legally saturate the town,” said Ruth Mclaren.
