Dear Neighbours,

A public notice has been placed between 4310 and 4318 Forest Fire Lane describing a proposed unpainted telecommunication antenna/tower system that would stand just over 38m (125ft) tall.

We are upset with this project's unjustified choice of location, lack of integration, poor public notice, and disruption of our community. Moreover, we are concerned about its negative impact on our health, our safety, and our homes as well as any future negative effects. 

• Unjustified Choice of Location
  The provided public notice information document does not provide any details justifying the proposed site which is surrounded by houses, within 250m of the newly completed Cawthra Transitway Station, within 500m of both an elementary school and a high school, and within 1000m of three parks. 
• Lack of Integration
  The visual simulation of the tower in the information document shows absolutely no sign of even attempted integration into its surroundings. 
• Poor Public Notice
  

  Two nearby schools and most nearby households were entirely unaware of the project until residents took it upon themselves to walk door-to-door and inform their neighbours.

• Disruption of Our Community
  The proposed site is in extremely close proximity to our homes. Workers would have a direct line of sight into houses which many of us consider to be an invasion of our privacy. During times of construction and maintenance, which does not require consultation and can occur on any day of the year and at any time of day or night, our neighbours would be disrupted by crews, trucks, lights, and noise.
• Negative Impact on Our Health
  The information document does not contain any technical specifications which could be admitted or denied as harmful or non-harmful. This leads us to believe that the specifications are incomplete and may include health risks not regulated by Safety Code 6. Once public consultation is deemed complete, we will have no way of knowing or objecting to technologies placed on the tower.
• Negative Impact on Our Safety
  We are equally concerned about the physical security of the installation (i.e. preventing unauthorized access) and non-radiation safety hazards, including pole overloading as well as fire, electrocution, explosive, and toxic chemical hazards. These are not addressed in the information document. 
• Negative Impact on Our Homes
  For the vast majority of us, our homes are by far our greatest assets. We simply cannot afford to see their values plummet. Any potential buyers who share our concerns are less likely to purchase property in our neighbourhood.
• Future Negative Effects
  

  Once the system is constructed, we can expect additions (which will only add to our concerns) to be made. These future additions will generally not require public notice or consultation and thus will be more difficult to oppose. 

If you too are concerned, there are a few things you can do:

1. Sign this petition before January 26, 2020. Your signature will serve as a written comment which will be submitted to the appropriate authorities on your behalf. 
2. Attend the public information session on January 16, 2020 at 6:30-8:30pm. Voice your concern at the Tomken Twin Arena located at 4495 Tomken Road in Mississauga.
3. Spread the word to your neighbors and ask for their support.
4. Individually contact the proponent or the municipal government, in addition to signing this petition:
   
   

   Please mention File #TTR 19-25 W3, 0 Forest Fire Lane, Mississauga, ON.
   
   Glen Osborne 
   Project Manager 
   Novanet Communications Limited 
   #4 - 725 Westney Road South, Ajax, ON L1S 7J7
   gosborne@novanetcomm.com 
   Office: 905-686-6666 ext. 110 
   Cell: 416-998-3526
   
   Michael Pebesma
   Planning and Building Development
   Development and Design Division
   City of Mississauga
   300 City Centre Drive Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1 
   michael.pebesma@mississauga.ca
   Office: 905-615-3200 ext. 3502

Thank you for your support!

Please note:

• The information on the public notice board on Forest Fire Lane contains errors, but the contact information provided above is accurate. The proposal's project manager has already been informed and asked to correct any inaccuracies. 
• The City of Mississauga does not have the authority to stop the construction of a telecommunication antenna/tower system, but it can provide comments to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on our behalf. 
• Provincial legislation (like the Planning Act, including zoning by-laws) does not apply to telecommunication antenna/tower systems. 
• The closing date for submission of written comments is January 30, 2020.