Hedley residents Neil MacLeod and Lynn Wells along with a group of other residents are upset with all the negative publicity that the proposed cell tower in Hedley is getting.
In a press released dated July 25, 2013, Area G Director Angelique Wood explained that, “Although some residents of Hedley welcome the proposed tower, others have concerns.”
The concerns are that, “The proposed monopole would be placed on TELUS property in the community. This is raising health and safety issues and also interferes with a view of the heritage Mascot Mine site from a lookout located at the Hedley Museum.”
The group of residents who are for cell service in Hedley have done some research and put together the following information for the residents who are concerned.
“The reasons for concern are based on fear, not fact.
The World Health Organization, The American Cancer Society, The Canadian Cancer Society and Health Canada have all published fact sheets on the subject.
The cell phone tower would not block the view from the Hedley Heritage Museum. See photo page 6. - The photo was taken in the winter, it gives a good view of the landscape. The cell mast has been added to the photo and it clearly shows that the mast will not be in the line of sight from the museum. In fact, the neighbourhood trees are more of a visual obstacle than the pole itself.”
“Are there any health effects?
A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.” — 2011 World Health Organization
To view the published findings on the research completed by The World Health Organization, Health Canada and the others, visit www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/cell-eng.php and www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/cons/stations/index-eng.php - both these sites have detailed information pertaining to these concerns and offer link sites for further study and information.
The group of residents who view having cell phone access in Hedley as an absolute positive and a necessity do so for the following reasons;
Emergencies: a cell phone can mean the difference between life and death for someone away from their home and land line in the event of an accident, injury or health crisis. Having a cell phone on your person would make a huge difference.
Car Accidents: being able to call for help at the scene of an accident cold save precious moments and lives.
Back - up: A back up communication service for Hedley’s first responders and firefighters is a definite positive.
Convenience or necessity: Residents who do use cell service should not have to drive to Princeton or Keremeos just to use their phone.
Restriction of visitors: family members and friends of Hedley residents have reported that they are unable to visit in Hedley due to the fact that their employment requires they be on call and without cell service - if in Hedley, they can not be reached via cell phone.
On Saturday, August 10, 2013, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will hold a poll open to all residents of Hedley to determine whether they support a 20 meter monopole for cell and data service at 796 Scott Avenue, or not. Polling will be taken from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Community Centre - 956 Scott Avenue.
The residents for the cell tower are hoping that those who have the safety issue and view concerns will take the time to become informed with the facts and that all Hedley residentscome out to vote.