Editor, The News:
Re: ‘Move if so concerned about cell tower’ (The News, April 18).
Thanks to Pill Melnychuk for continuing to report on the 60-metre-high cell phone tower proposed for private property in Whonnock. It is important that people understand the policies, or lack thereof, that our municipality has in place to address the placement of these towers.
If someone were to read the article, without any history or information, they may think that this is a situation where a bunch of neighbours are against one neighbour and jealous of the financial windfall they will be receiving if the cell tower is built. This is simply not the case.
It appears that communications companies are making having a cell tower on your property so financially attractive that it is almost impossible to say no.
My concern is not with the homeowners, as they are perfectly in the right to make whatever decision they see fit. Rather it is with the municipality, as it is seems Maple Ridge does not currently have a policy on cell towers and their placements and, therefore, they are popping up where one would least expect them, and maybe not in the best places.
My family moved to our current location in Whonnock less than two years ago. We visited municipal hall prior to making our purchase and researched as much as we thought we could regarding zoning and land use. We wanted to be sure that we would enjoy our little piece of the county for a long time.
We love where we live and raise animals, grow our own food and are close to the school and lake. Moving is not an option, as we could not afford to move, even if we wanted to, especially if the value of our home drops because of the tower.
More importantly, why should we move? This is our community, and if something is happening in it that we do not agree with, we have the right, and obligation, to stand up and say something, which is what we are doing.
I think it is time that the municipality prepares a cell phone policy so that it can decide the best place for these towers .
P. Shaw
Maple Ridge