Update and next steps

Hi there, In less than a week we have gathered 171 signatures for our petition to Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Thanks for signing! Last Thursday community members from the Lawrencetown and Seaforth beaches area attended an HRM information session with Bell Aliant. We had a very good turnout despite the bad weather; MLA Kevin Murphy, Councillor David Hendsbee, and HRM staff were present. A large majority spoke out against Bell's plan for the proposed cell tower in Three Fathom Harbour or elsewhere along the ocean shore. HRM staff will now write a report of this meeting and submit it to the community council. Once the report is complete the community council will table it at their next meeting to discuss and vote to give the proposal a positive or negative recommendation for Industry Canada (federal department in Ottawa that makes the final decision). So at this juncture we can do the following: -- Continue to gather signatures. -- Continue to spread the word. -- Contact the councillors on the Marine Drive Community Council who will render the recommendation. They are: Gloria McCluskey David Hendsbee former Councillor Darren Fisher (Now an MP elect) Bill Karsten Deputy Mayor Lorelei Nicoll Here is where we use the recent red tide to our favour: -- Contact MP elect Darrell Samson -- Contact PM elect Trudeau! The messaging is key. I would suggest that this tower is not treated in isolation; rather the ongoing process with varying providers must be looked at. Key points: -- This tower proposal has not addressed the concerns raised in the HRM negative recommendation for the Eastlnk site. -- That community concerns and needs are not being considered rather Eastlink's and Bell's needs are the priority. -- The process needs to be changed and a more integrated siting plan developed. -- The process has not fully engaged the community to consult on a solution, rather the process has been one of the proponent trying to convince the community to accept an already negotiated lease transaction. -- The site selection process is flawed and a better site (in the backcountry) must be found. -- Finally, that the community is looking for a solution that meets all parties' concerns. We must not lose momentum at this critical moment. So, please post this petition to your Facebook wall, send it out via email, and write to our elected officials. Cheers, Ulrich