As you may or may not know, Telus is proposing building a 30m cell phone tower at the Petro Canada station at the Hawkwood Village Shopping Centre. As you may know, the proposed area is extremely close to the Hawkwood Elementary School, a retirement village, a daycare, a pre-school for special needs children, a dental office, many other local businesses, not to mention hundreds of residential homes.

We have fought this before and we need to fight again.

As a member of the Hawkwood community, the plan to position this tower so close to our homes and vulnerable individuals is a critical concern. Everyone understands the need for communication towers. However, most radiation emitting towers are in locations that are outside of residential areas, not right in the middle of one and next to so many vulnerable groups. Using a site this close to locations where children and seniors are constantly exposed to radiation is concerning. Various studies are starting to report problems from exposure to radio frequency radiation and it is being recommended that schools, parks, homes, hospitals and elderly homes be kept at least 400m (1300 feet) from any cell tower to keep people out of the “hot zone”. 

As well, this location is not in accordance with City of Calgary Guidelines. As outlined in the City of Calgary Telecommunications Antenna Structures Siting Protocols. Section 7.6 – Residential Development Setback Guidelines:

“The City of Calgary recommends the placement of telecommunication antenna structures (towers) should not be in very close proximity to residential developments of any built form or density.” The City goes on to recommend that towers of 15 – 30 meters in height be built AT LEAST 75 meters away from dwellings. 

There are many residences that are well within 75 meters of the proposed tower. 

The plan to position this tower so close to our homes and vulnerable individuals is a critical concern. A multitude of studies have shown potential correlations between exposure to cell tower radiation and a variety of health issues, ranging from minor sleep disturbances to more significant implications such as cancer (source: Environment and Health Inc., 2020). Not only do we risk these adverse health outcomes, but the presence of this tower also threatens the depreciation of our property values, as stated by the National Institute for Science, Law & Public Policy report. On average, homes near cell towers are devalued by 20% (source: NISLAPP, 2014). We must protect the wellbeing and interests of our community.

As residents of Hawkwood, we are the people who will be living in the shadow of the proposed obtrusive tower as it is within full view of an entire community. Our entire neighbourhood will be adversely affected by the deterioration of property values if this cell phone tower is installed. As well, many of the businesses in Hawkwood Village are opposed because their patrons have expressed that they will no longer use these businesses and services due to the close proximity of this tower. Telus has dismissed these concerns. 

This negative effect can also contribute to a deterioration of neighbourhoods and school enrolment when residents want to move out or pull their children out because they don’t want to live or have their children attend schools next to a giant cell tower. 

People don’t want to live next to one not just because of health concerns, but also due to aesthetics and public safety reasons, i.e., cell towers become eyesores, obstructing or tarnishing cherished views, and also can attract crime, are potential noise nuisances, and are a potential fire hazard.

We need to express opposition to this proposed location. There are plenty of alternate locations that would be viable and that are not in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, so close to children’s and seniors’ care. With proper research and consultation, a better location can definitely be found.

We need to stand up for our community and ask Telus to choose a different site.  We need to take action NOW as they are trying to go ahead with this plan immediately. We only have until March 20th to voice concern and reject this proposal.