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Cell tower approval a poor choice by View Royal council

The failure to protect the pristine natural environment surrounding Pike Lake is shocking.

View Royal council’s 4-1 decision on May 15 to support and approve the construction of a 56 metre cellular tower (“Can you hear me now?” May 23) in north View Royal showed extremely poor judgment.

Choosing to side with Telus instead of protecting the interests of landowners within the township really exposed their true colours.

The failure to protect the pristine natural environment surrounding Pike Lake is equally shocking.

At the council meeting, it was suggested that if this tower were to be visible from Thetis Lake instead of nearby Pike Lake, you would have every environmental advocacy group from the region in an uproar.

As well, the benefit of another tower to the citizens of View Royal is nil. It’s increased coverage would only extend into Highlands municipality, however Telus knows Highlands council would not entertain such a proposal within their boundary.

The fact that they are willing to spend some $700,000 on this leads me to assume an ulterior motive.

B.C. Hydro’s smart meters require blanket cell service in order to monitor the public’s power usage. They are spending a billion dollars to install these “improvements.” Stay tuned for your next hydro bill. Since this new Telus cell site is to be located on B.C. Hydro land, this might explain both company’s enthusiasm.

This tower is an unnecessary blight on the natural landscape and it is astonishing that View Royal would support such a project.

The mayor and council have a responsibility to protect both the environment and the interests of their constituents - not the interests of B.C. Hydro and Telus.

Michael Todd

View Royal