The Town of Bracebridge is putting the brakes on a recent decision regarding a proposed new cell tower on Highway 118 East.
During the latest Bracebridge Town Council meeting, the council heard a delegation from Jeff McKay of Simpson-McKay Ltd, an independent contractor for Roger Communications.
McKay was highly critical of the Bracebridge general committee’s decision to vote against providing a conditional Letter of Concurrence to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to allow the construction of a new cell tower at 2819 Highway 118 East, which currently operates as Goodale Marina.
McKay said the Town is strictly a commenting body on the process and has no jurisdiction over cell towers, which are much like railroads and airports.
“Members of the public have been coached to take their concerns directly to council in disregard of the rules and regulations,” McKay told council. “This creates a parallel process with no authority. The parallel processing stream that we’re seeing needs to stop.”
McKay said there was a period for public commenting but that process ended Feb. 11, 2024.
He said the Town needs to withdraw the general committees’ decison and act within their jurisdiction.
Council also received a 33-page package containing justification and legal precedents from the proponent.
Coun. Andrew Struthers said the committee needs to go back and consider the ramifications of their decision further.
Several councillors objected to the package sent to the council, calling it condescending and forcefully in nature.
“Were allowing Rogers to overrule what we thought last week,” said Coun. Barb McMurray who has been vocally opposed to the project. “They’re telling us we should be clapping our hands for Rogers…but they’re not looking out for the people.”
Coun. Debbie Vernon said said she had been hearing concerns on the project from mutipek people, including a constituent who was concerned about “radiation” from the tower.
“We must put health and safety first,” she said.
The council ultimately voted to return the item to staff and the Town’s legal team for a second opinion.
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Rob Adams says
Residents and council are right to be concerned about the health issues regarding cell phone towers, not just for themselves, but for wildlife as well. Much has been written on this issue. In addition, these towers are ugly and a blight on our landscape. Why do we tolerate these?
Peggy Tupper says
Cell towers are located in urban areas with no radiation issues. The ones in Algonquin Park are disguised to look like pine trees. This proposed tower is not within the urban area of Bracebridge so one wonders why Debbie Vernon would comment or care. With regard to her comment, she is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. “It is better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” In 1953 a columnist in a Saskatoon, Canada
David Daniel says
Everyone needs to stop with the “radio waves are bad for you” nonsense. None of it is grounded in science. Everyone wants progress, and growth, and better internet, but nobody thinks they should have to see it.
Concerned Muskokan says
I am an ordinary citizen who, like most, despise the price gouging by cell phone and internet providers. Nevertheless, cell phone and internet service greatly need expansion and upgrading in the district. Mobile phone and internet service are extremely useful to residents; without them, we would have difficult challenges navigating our waterways and roadways, among other purposes like basic communication with family or purchasing good and services. So don’t knock the service providers, especially if their intentions are to improve service quality and coverage!
John Bergeron says
The price of progress is often intolerable to those wanting but not prepared to pay. Taxes can be seen as such inconvenience until one realizes the amenities and freedom we enjoy. Moreover, as a tax payer, I’m often impressed with the research our municipal staff exercises before the related reports go to Councils. Just saying!
Joe Falkner says
Did nobody learn anything from Covid isolation?
If Rogers can get a tower here so that everyone on the island can receive good coverage, they are heroes in my books.
Council, not so much. Wasn’t it their mandate to promote economic recovery and development, ensure and enhance public safety and increase the tourism experience? Telecom is the key enabler to do that.
Ironically we can’t use smartphones because of dumb decisions. What stupidity would chase a willing service provider out of our community? I’m a Rogers client, and I want Rogers service here.
Scott tuck says
I feel the tower is needed due to the service is not good and for safety reasons it should be a must. This location will better the emergency services antennas also to provide better coverage and this could mean the difference in life or death of loved ones. There is no harm with the radio waves it no worse than the blue tooth in every person car or them using cell phones them selfs. Better cell service in the area can benefit for tourism also as this is a vital part to bring in revenue to the area.
This will help with internet service in the area and give options to some that can’t afford the higher cost of the satellite providers.
Please please let’s get the tower up.
Bob Braan says
Any approved new cell tower should be disguised to look like a tree instead of an eyesore on the landscape.
Many towers look like trees now. They all should. Why is that not required?
There would be far fewer highly critical people.
Rogers, go back and propose a tower that looks like a tree.
A good neighbour would have.
Bob Braan says
“Both Telus and Rogers Communications Inc. have recently conducted satellite-to-mobile phone tests and have plans to launch the service in 2024”
Along with Starlink.
Ugly cell towers with limited coverage could be a thing of the past. Good riddance.
Especially for low population density areas.
Are there plans to take the towers down when they aren’t needed any more?
New towers should at least be required to look like trees. Many already do.