In the March 17, 2015 edition of The NEWS, Oceanside RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian Hunter said: “It’s difficult when you have a major police event and have to communicate through cell phones and they don’t work. It will enhance the safety of the community.”
In the same edition: “(RDN French Creek rep. Joe Stanhope) has heard from many of his French Creek constituents who want better cell coverage, and while he noted there is some opposition, Stanhope said it’s widely outnumbered by support for the proposed tower.”
And this from the same story: “According to Telus’ public consultation overview, 145 responses were received — 96.5 per cent were in support of the proposed cell tower while 3.5 per cent were opposed.”
Then, in the June 25, 2015 edition of The NEWS under the headline “RDN tries to put the brakes on Telus cell tower plans in French Creek,” there was this: “the proposed location of a cell tower in French Creek is still causing concern for some local residents. Two of them voiced their opinions with RDN directors on Tuesday.”
In the July 2, 20125 edition: “Electoral area directors had recommended the RDN send a letter of concurrence to Industry Canada saying the RDN had no problem with Telus’ tower plans.” A couple of weeks later, the entire board decided to reject the concurrence suggestion and to ask Industry Canada to force Telus into a number of actions before granting approval.
In October 2015, Telus informed me that Industry Canada provided a letter to the RDN confirming that Telus complied and completed the public consultation requirements.
Now, from the June 21, 2016 edition of The NEWS: “RDN director for the area, Joe Stanhope, brought forward a motion to send a letter to Industry Canada, rescinding support based on what he called a lack of neighbourhood support and Telus’ refusal to consider other options.”
We need cell phone service in French Creek. Show your support by contacting:
• Telus, c/o 1040 West Georgia Street, Suite 630, Vancouver, V6E 4H1 (comments.agi@altusgroup.com).
• Industry Canada, 1230 Government St., 430, Victoria, V8W 3M4 (Victoria.District@ic.gc.ca).
• RDN, Current Planning, 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, V9T 6N2 (planning@rdn.bc.ca).
Gayle Goodman French Creek
