Residents Rally Against Proposed Cell Tower Near Homes in Brandon

Residents in Brandon, Manitoba, are voicing their opposition to a proposed 35-metre cell tower to be located next to their homes in the Centennial area. Local resident Chris Bird has initiated a petition urging the city to amend its cell tower policy to enforce a minimum distance of 100 metres from residences. Bird’s home, situated approximately 70 metres from the proposed site at 1009 34th St., has raised concerns for him regarding the health implications for his children.

Bird, who has dedicated the last two weeks to gathering signatures, stated, “I don’t want to grow old in this house and find out, ‘Oh, that’s been messing up my sons’ development.’ That’s why I feel so strongly about it.” He and his wife are raising two sons, aged one and six, and have invested significantly in making their home accessible following Bird’s life-altering accident in a car crash.

The cell tower proposal has coincided with a review of Brandon’s existing tower policies by city staff. Bird is concerned about potential impacts on his family’s health, citing a 2021 report from the European Parliament which indicates that technologies associated with the proposed tower “are probably carcinogenic for humans” and may adversely affect fertility. In contrast, Canada’s Safety Code 6 asserts that current research does not support a link between radiofrequency electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and cancer, although it acknowledges the need for further study.

Bird has knocked on doors in his neighborhood to gather support, securing signatures from 14 households so far. He has also launched a separate petition that has collected 144 signatures advocating for a review of the city’s policies to ensure greater safety distances for future towers. If his petition is unsuccessful and the tower is approved, Bird and his wife may consider selling their home.

The proposed tower is necessary due to a wireless carrier’s need to relocate its equipment from an existing tower in Brandon. Price Leurebourg of Shared Tower Inc. explained that this move follows the termination of a co-location agreement, necessitating the new infrastructure to maintain service levels.

Bird has also communicated his concerns to the city council, suggesting that Brandon adopt policies similar to those in Winnipeg, where the preferred distance is three times the height of the tower. In this case, that would equate to approximately 105 metres from residences. The nearest home to the proposed tower site would be roughly 35 metres away.

City councillor Barry Cullen, whose Ward 3 includes Bird’s residence, did not express support or opposition to the ongoing petition but emphasized the importance of minimizing the number of towers in Brandon by encouraging companies to share existing infrastructure. Residents have until July 27, 2023, to submit letters of support or opposition regarding the proposal. This feedback will be reviewed by the city before a decision is made.

To comply with regulations, Shared Tower Inc. has disseminated information regarding the proposal through local newspaper advertisements, on-site postings, and notification packages sent to 31 residences within 100 metres of the site. Resident Scott Third expressed frustration over the limited notification process, likening the city’s approach to “musical towers” as it continues to seek locations for new structures in residential areas.

City planner Sonikile Tembo stated that the proposed site was chosen as it poses less impact on nearby homes, given its proximity to a railroad and drainage area. Since it has been classified as a “medium visual impact” site, the proposal does not require council review but instead will be evaluated by city staff. If additional public engagement is deemed necessary, the process may be escalated to the council for further consideration.

Currently, there are no established guidelines in Brandon regarding minimum distances for cell towers from homes; however, this policy is under review. Ultimately, the federal government holds the authority over the final decision regarding tower placements.