If the city doesn’t do something about cell towers, it may have a riot on its hands one day a councillor says.
Coun. Aldo Ruberto was one of two councillors not to vote to send a concurrence letter for Bell Mobility’s three proposed telecommunications towers in Thunder Bay. The city has no say in the process other than to let the federal government know that Bell has consulted the community on its plan to put up towers on Oliver Road, Arthur Street and Mapleward Road. But Ruberto said he’s concerned about beautification and property values in the city if towers keep popping up.
“We’re going to have people I guess rioting at some point,” Ruberto said, adding most people don’t want them in their neighbourhoods.
“And I don’t blame them.”
But the city’s development manager Mark Smith said TbayTel has more than 120 towers without complaints and most people accept them as infrastructure just like a telephone pole.
“I don’t expect Thunder Bay or any other city will be rioting because of these telecommunications towers,” Smith said.
Coun. Linda Rydholm wanted the city to state in the letter that there were health concerns associated with the towers. She asked why the city couldn’t address some of the concerns she’s heard form residents over health issues.
“I feel for the residents who have these genuine concerns,” she said.
But Smith said it’s not up to the city to contradict the science involved in the federal government’s standards.
“We don’t have the expertise to make that statement,” Smith said. “I would worry about the city fanning those flames or worrying people unduly.”
Iftikhar Haq lives on Mapleward Road near the proposed tower site. He said he represents all of his neighbours in saying they don’t want the tower on their street. He said he challenges anyone who says they would be fine with having a telecommunications tower so close to their home.
“What do you feel yourself regarding your health, your property,” Haq said.
Mayor Keith Hobbs said there was no issue at council to debate because the process is completely out of the city’s hands.
“We don’t have any say in where the towers go,” Hobbs said. “Why are we discussing this?”
