*Please note: Placement of the proposed tower in photo simulation by Bell puts the tower further to the left than we believe to be accurate.

A landowner has entered into an agreement with Bell for a proposed 75m cell tower centre at 1439 Havre Boucher Road. Over the last seven weeks we, as concerned residents, have written letters asking questions and opposing the proposed site to Bell and pleaded with government officials for support.

To be clear, we are in support of the advancement of broadband and telecom technologies, just not in our literal backyards. Our concerns include but are not limited to: detrimental health effects, ecological concerns, depreciation of land value and unsightliness.

What we've learned:

• The Municipality of the County of Antigonish and the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC) have no policies in place to protect landowners in situations such as this and while aware of our concerns, have not provided any support.
• Decade-old federal guidelines are inequitable in nature and lean in favour of major telecom companies ensuring they have a clear line to put up towers where they please, not leaving any reasonable options or say for the landowners these agreements impact.
• As concerned residents, we have followed the consultation process, advocated for support from government officials and pleaded with Bell to find an alternate site for their tower to no avail.

What we've concluded:

• The decision and financial benefit of one landowner should not outweigh the concern and distress this proposed tower has caused our community.
• Bell should not use federal guidelines to steamroll the erection of a cell tower in a residential area.
• The standard scripted responses from Bell do not give us a sense of relief and our concerns have not been mitigated.
• This decision has a lasting impact on generations to come and various levels of government officials aren’t considering the weight of this proposal.

What we are asking for:

Sign our petition ‘Stop Bell Cell Tower Centre at 1439 Havre Boucher Rd.’ to help amplify our voice.

We need:

• The landowner to hear our concerns and back out of the agreement, and;
• Bell to hear our concerns and find an alternate site, away from dwellings and serviced lots, for their proposed cell tower centre.

Thank you for lending your name to our cause.

With much respect, a very tired community,
Havre Boucher residents opposing Bell Cell Tower Centre proposal at 1439 Havre Boucher Road