A Nanoose Bay resident wants the Regional District of Nanaimo to amend its bylaw regarding placement of cellphone towers in residential areas.
Gabrielle Cameron appeared as a delegation at the RDN board meeting on Feb. 11, urging a new policy language in Bylaw 2500 that reflects the concerns of the community regarding construction of utility structures.
She also asked the board to reject Rogers Communications application to erect a new 5G tower at 1800 Serenity Pl., in Nanoose Bay .
While Cameron understands the need for greater cell coverage in Nanoose Bay, she said, "there should be a better way to support the creation of public utility systems while lessening the impact of these necessary services on community residents."
Cameron wants the RDN's electoral area telecommunication antenna system consultation and information process to include guiding policies that will increase community involvement regarding site selection for utility structures.
During a public engagement session held by Rogers on Feb. 5, Cameron spoke to a SitePath Consulting representative who she said indicated to her they have been working to secure the site since 2018.
"Residents in the area felt blindsided that they were only notified recently, well into the process," said Cameron. "My hope today is to influence a change in how the processes for these new tower selection sites occur."
There should be greater community consensus, Cameron indicated, before allowing utility structures to be placed on community or on First Nations land.
"I think it's imperative to create policy language that supports true collaboration and consensus building within a residential neighbourhood," she said.
Cameron wants guidelines established on site selection including setting ideal distances to private residences when it is possible and site placement that prioritizes minimal aesthetic disruptions.
Cameron suggested that financial benefits from the towers should be directed to community programs.
RDN chair Vanessa Craig informed Cameron the RDN board has yet to receive concurrence report regarding the site application.
"We're not at that point yet," said Craig.
