Proposed cell tower stirs up opposition

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This article was published 24/03/2021 (1873 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A proposed cell tower in Charleswood is getting some residents all dialled up.

Rogers is proposing to install a 30.6-metre cellular tower at 523 Harstone Rd.

According to Rogers, the proposed site will provide more seamless coverage for residents and businesses along Roblin Boulevard. At the same time, it would also improve connectivity for anyone who needs to contact emergency services.

“We’re focused on delivering a reliable, consistent wireless experience and are looking to enhance our network for customers in Charleswood,” said a Rogers spokesperson.

“We always work with local communities to ensure our services, equipment and design meet their needs.”

A public consultation period for the site began in January and closed earlier this month. Due to pandemic limitations, a public presentation was made available online throughout the public comment period.

In addition, a newspaper ad was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on Jan. 30 , outlining the details of the proposed site.

Rogers notes that it works closely with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to ensure that every product and service meets rigorous safety standards — including Health Canada’s Safety Code 6, which recommends limits for safe human exposure to radio frequency emissions. Adherence to this code is a condition of Rogers’ licence.

However, some people have voiced opposition to the proposed tower, including Charleswood resident Lori Bettig.

Bettig is a member of a group of concerned citizens that have come together as Charleswood for Safe Technology, which is part of the Manitobans for Safe Technology group.

Bettig said the greatest concern is that the proposed location is near small businesses, homes, an elementary school and a daycare.

“This tower is in the heart of residential Charleswood,” she said.

In addition, she questions the protective levels of Safety Code 6, established by Health Canada.

“Children are at particular risk. Why would we choose to put our convenience before our children’s health?” she asked. “We should be following a precautionary principle.”

She also expressed frustration that public information sessions weren’t conducted due to the pandemic.

“Many residents felt blindsided by the news when one neighbour noticed a small sign in the parking lot of the proposed site and shared the news on March 1,” she said.

She would like to see the tower relocated at least 500 metres from its proposed location so that it’s farther from the school and daycare. She has encouraged concerned residents to contact the city to have their objections noted and taken into consideration by the city’s planning department.

Kevin Klein, city councillor for Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood, also sent a letter to the planning department to advise that his office has received more than 22 direct complaints about the proposed tower.  

Klein’s letter states that he formally opposes the tower at the proposed location of 523 Harstone Rd. on behalf of the residents he serves. He would also like the application to be denied until city council and the public service complete public input and develop a revised policy.

“I’ve had a lot of residents reach out. I have an obligation to these residents, and to all residents, to be their representative and their voice at City Hall. I also like to ensure that I research things on my own,” Klein said.

“At present, the city is involved in public engagement about these cell towers. We were supportive of one that’s being put in the Charleswood-Westwood-Tuxedo ward, but it’s over in a light industrial area.”

In addition, Marty Morantz, member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia-Headingley, has written to the federal minister of innovation, science and industry.

Morantz’s letter indicates that community members have expressed concerns about the proposed installation. It also notes that he recognizes the federal government is not involved in the specifics of tower installations, which are dealt with by municipalities. These projects are regulated under the Radiocommunication Act, his letter states, and the government generally only gets involved when there is an impasse between the municipality and the company. Nonetheless, he felt it was important to bring forward the concerns from the community.

“I have heard from a number of residents in the community about concerns surrounding the proposed cell tower in Charleswood,” Morantz said.

“Whenever I get concerns from members of the community, I always work to bring them to the attention of those involved in the decision-making process.”

Rogers is reviewing feedback from the community and responding directly to residents’ comments.

According to Rogers, which is federally regulated, the health and safety of Canadians is of the utmost importance.