In These New Times

Niagara News Now

14th November, 2012

WELLAND – Welland riding MPP Cindy Forster has thrown her support behind the efforts of neighbours to fight a proposed communications tower in Port Robinson.

Forster wrote to federal Industry Minister Christian Paradis on Nov. 8, asking the government that oversees telecommunications to put a stop of cell tower approvals until a complete review of their potential health impacts has been conducted.

Her letter comes on the heels of a similar one by Welland riding MP Malcolm Allen to Paradis, Allen said neighbours of the proposed 13-storey tower at 2133 Port Robinson Rd. are worried about the effects of the tower.

Forster said a number of recent studies have highlighted safety concerns over electromagnetic radiation and its impact on people, but those studies haven’t been taken into consideration with the approval of cell towers.

She cited a call from Port Robinson resident George Domitrek, who lives near the site of the proposed tower, for a complete review of the industry framework for guidelines on radiation exposure in Canada.

“Mr. Domitrek has done his due diligence by researching the risks associated by living near cell phone towers,” Forster told Paradis.

“If would be nice if your ministry along with Health Canada could do the same in the name of health safety for all involved.”

Bell Canada wants to build the tower because it said wireless communications in the area is spotty. Under federal rules, communications towers don’t need the approval of local town or city governments.

Thorold city council, which at first accepted a staff recommendation not opposing the tower, subsequently changed that decision to oppose it.

In a letter to Forster, Domitrek said the escalating number of cell towers close to homes creates a “frightening intrusion into our daily lives, as these emissions threaten our health in a very serious way.”

He said children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems may be particularly at risk. He said residents are also afraid about the potential health effects on livestock near the tower site.

Domitrek said a growing body of research is raising alarms over potential health risks of cell towers.

“Health Canada states that more research is needed on the health effects of (electromagnetic radiation). However, by then (it) will be too late for many of us who will become ill,” he said.