We must stop the development of a 2nd cell tower at Bathurst St. W and Elgin Mills (the North East Side)  Rogers is proposing a 25m tall (+82FT) Cell Tower in our Richmond Hill residential area very close to homes, work, schools and daycares.  DO NOT DONATE ANY MONEY PLEASE. We are not asking for money for this petition.

PETITION, with reasons, to ask the City of Richmond Hill, Ontario to issue a letter of non-concurrence (non-approval) regarding the proposed Rogers Communications telecommunications (cell) tower at 10815 Bathurst Street Approximately 68 metres East of Bathurst Street and 172 metres North of Elgin Mills Road 

Reasons we OPPOSE the proposed cell tower include but are NOT limited to: 

1. The proposed Rogers cell tower is not required by our community. The signal available from existing cell towers is acceptable.
2. There is already an existing cell tower in the immediate area, rendering another tower redundant.  Our community does not need a 2nd tower.
3. We do not want a cell tower in this location . This proposed cell tower brings unwanted and invasive wireless radiation into our community. This tower will not be esthetically pleasing and will not enhance our property values.
4. Alternate sites need to be fully explored which do not affect residential homes, schools and daycares.
5. There is a daycare located approximately 350 m away from the proposed cell tower. Children are particularly at risk. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374
6. This unsightly cell tower could substantially decrease our property values.  https://ehtrust.org/new-study-finds-cell-towers-near-homes-drops-property-value-2-4-to-9-7/ 
7. Current limits for human health are not adequate . Rogers claims that it adheres to Health Canada’s  Safety Code 6 regarding emissions from the proposed cell tower which protects the health of individuals. Many experts independent of industry influence dispute safety of the current limits. See: - Balmori, A. (2022) Evidence for a Health Risk by RF on humans living around mobile phone base stations. Environmental Research, 113851, https://ehtrust.org/in-historic-decision-federal-court-finds-fcc-failed-to-explain-why-it-ignored-scientific-evidence-showing-harm-from-wireless-radiation/

Here are several research studies that highlight the serious risks associated with allowing this cell tower to be constructed so close to our homes:

Reference: World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization has classified RF radiation emitted by cell phone towers as a possible carcinogen, meaning it may potentially cause cancer. This classification emphasizes that such radiation can indeed be harmful, particularly for those in close physical proximity to cell towers.

Health Effects
Microwaves emitted from cell phone towers can disrupt the body’s electromagnetic fields (EMFs), potentially leading to various health issues, including: 

Headaches
Memory loss
Cardiovascular stress
Low sperm count
Birth defects
Cancer

https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/cell_phone_towers_238

A study found that individuals residing within 1,300 feet (approximately 400 meters) of a cellular transmitter had three times the rate of newly developed cancers compared to those living further away. Patients living within this range were diagnosed with cancer on average eight years earlier than those in outer areas. The study further revealed that radiation exposure within 1,300 feet was 100 times higher than beyond this distance.
Notably, cancer risks were negligible during the first five years of living near a cell phone tower. However, risks more than tripled after six to ten years of residence, with earlier onset of various cancers such as breast, prostate, pancreatic, bowel, melanoma, lung, and blood cancers. Breast cancer risks were particularly concerning, with an average diagnosis age of 50.8 years compared to nearly 70 years for individuals living outside the high-exposure zone. 

Reference: American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/cellular-phone-towers.html

The American Cancer Society states that there is no definitive evidence proving that RF waves from cell towers cause health effects. However, the organization acknowledges that this does not mean RF waves are entirely safe. Experts agree that further research is required to better understand possible long-term health implications.

Reference: Environmental Health Trust

https://ehtrust.org/cell-towers-and-cell-antennae/compilation-of-research-studies-on-cell-tower-radiation-and-health/ 
For a broader compilation of research studies on cell tower radiation and its health effects, visit the Environmental Health Trust.

 
Community Concerns

As parents and residents, it is our duty to safeguard our loved ones and to protect those most vulnerable. Many of our neighbours have already voiced their concerns, and we believe the time for action is now.

We are calling on our community to unite in opposition to this proposed tower by signing this petition. Together, we can raise our voices to reject the tower before it is too late. Let's protect our community.

Thank You