To the Editor:
For many in Hedley, the issue isn’t simply a yes or no to cell service. The range of cell service is still undetermined based on the site location – we know it won’t have a wide breadth, and the two other poles erected along Highway 3 will likely service many residents around Hedley. The site location of the monopole in Hedley’s downtown is being contested by many town folk for a number of reasons.
Originally, Telus’ only site choice was central Main Street (Scott Avenue); the monopole would obstruct the existing sightlines of the Mascot Mine from the Hedley Museum, the vista of the mountains, and would certainly detract from the old-timey feel that makes Hedley a magical place to many.
Finally, the proposed site and proximity to its neighbours poses health concerns to some. Telus has options to the site location of the monopole; Telus could explore the option to co-locate with China Creek’s facility which transmits an internet signal into town from across the Similkameen River. Industry Canada suggests that co-location should always be considered.
In February, after the Telus/StandardLand open house in Hedley, Telus/StandardLand gave concerned Hedley residents a “take it or leave it attitude” in regards to their concerns. All along, Ms. Wood requested Telus to honor the standards set forth in the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association best-practices guidelines and to follow protocols – including examining the potential of co-locating before new sites are developed and requesting more time to address the concerns of her constituents and to find solutions in order to bring service to Hedley.
For those who seek the information, this dialogue between Wood and Telus working toward bringing cell service to Hedley is ongoing.
When Elef Christensen and his cronies threw down a petition at the RDOS board meeting (May 23) and expected immediate action which would compromise the existing negotiations, they demonstrated a dark side of democracy energized on personal vendetta.
Ms. Wood is doing an excellent job engaging with the citizens of Hedley and Olalla and taking on issues as they present themselves: just watch her take on giant corporations like Telus and Fortis on our behalf.
Kim & Andy English, Hedley, B.C.