DAN CEARNS The Standard
SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog is sending a decision on the process for the creation of a cell tower on Scugog Island to dispute resolution.
At a meeting on Monday, March 18th, a motion was made that a letter of concurrence not be issued by Scugog Township for a cell tower at 225 Platten Boulevard “until such time as a dispute resolution process involving Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the public, proponents, and township representatives can resolve outstanding issues.
According to a report from Valerie Hendry, Scugog’s Manager of Planning, the tower would measure 14.9 metres. It would be placed “on a portion of the lands owned by Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc.”
During the meeting, councillors heard from many public members who opposed the application.
Elizabeth Freeman questioned where the proof was that this tower was needed and also noted residents she’s talked to have “outstanding questions and concerns.”
Gisele Robichaud said the placement of the tower would “ruin [the] visual splendour” of the area and noted the tower is proposed to be placed “in the middle of a residential area.”
Jennifer Berlette Smith said her major concern was a “lack of notification to the neighbouring residents.”
Randy Freeman stated because of his own comfort level with the technology, and living close to the proposed site, if the tower goes in, he “will have no choice but to put [his] property up for sale.”Noise and potential health risks were two other concerns shared by residents at the meeting.
Mayor Wilma Wotten asked if the council would deny the letter of concurrence altogether if issues cannot be resolved through this dispute resolution process.
“If the issues cannot be resolved, this council will probably decide not to issue the letter of concurrence,” Kevin Heritage, Scugog’s Director of Development Services, responded.
A letter of concurrence is a letter from a municipality to the federal government stating a proper process has been carried out with issues on any application having been resolved.