Subject: Communications Antenna Location and Consultation Policy From: Kem Luther Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:08:48 -0700 Last night at the Metchosin Council Meeting the Metchosin Council passed, unanimously, a Communications Antenna Location and Consultation Policy for the district. It is modeled after a carefully planned document produced and adopted by Colwood. In its tower proposal Telus said that, since Metchosin did not have a policy in place, the relevant process was the one provided by Industry Canada. However, Telus knew that the District was working on such a policy. Telus's abrupt disclosure of their proposal just before the September meeting appears, at least on the surface, to be designed to thwart the District's role in the consultation process. The District's position, I have been told, is that, since Telus knew about the coming policy and that the policy is now in place, the current cell tower proposed by Telus must must take this new policy into account. It is clear to me from reading this document the the current proposed location for the tower, at 4537 Rocky Point Road, does not conform to the guidelines in the new policy. The tower must be relocated. Read it and see what you think. Some highlights from the new Policy: Health issues take priority: The document states plainly that "the purpose of this policy is to minimize exposure to electromagnetic radiation where people live, work or attend school" and that "the District of Metchosin recognizes that ... there is credible evidence that human health is affected." Full disclosure of information: Those wanting to erect a tower must provide "the frequency, maximum aggregate output in kilowatts and maximum power density in microwatts per square centimetre of all devices at the proposed site." Evidence of a wide exploration of alternatives. Proposers must provide "an alternate site analysis, which includes consideration of co-location on an existing structure, with a qualified expert's explanation of why co-location is not possible." Respect for District zoning and residence patterns: "Towers are prohibited in rural residential and amenity residential zone, as well as in any community institutional zones containing schools. Towers will be permitted in upland, rural and agricultural zones, as long as the power output limits ... are met, and the tower has a minimum setback of 2.5 times the tower height from the closest residence, school or workplace. In any zone, a tower must have a minimum setback of 2.5 times the tower height from the property lines." Thorough consultation with Council and local landowners before Industry Canada's decision: All new towers must undergo a District Communications Antenna Review. Those proposing to build a communications tower must pass this Review before receiving a construction or building permit. As a part of the Review, there must be a "community consultation process." All owners of property with a half kilometer of the base of the proposed tower must be contacted by mail, as well as members of the Metchosin Council and staff, and notified of a meeting in which interested parties can come and raise questions and make comments. Those bringing the proposal must inform the owners in writing about the time and place of the meeting and give a full description of the proposed antenna, including the power output and power density at the nearest residence. They must provide information about potential health effects and possible interference with nearby electronic equipment. After the meeting they must address, in writing, all issues raised by attendees at the meeting and by those submitting written questions and comments. All of this must be submitted to Metchosin Planning and Environment Committee and ultimately to the the Metchosin District Council. The resolution of the Council is forwarded to Industry Canada for consideration. Kem Luther