The board of directors with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has a tough call to make early in the new year as it relates to approving or turning down a request by Telus to build an 18-metre telecommunications tower on the East Bench of Osoyoos.
The proposed tower would replace a much smaller tower that was built about 225 metres north of the proposed new tower.
It should surprise no one that a group of neighbours who live in the residential neighbourhood aren’t happy with the Telus application and want nothing to do with a large tower being erected so close to their homes and property.
Denis Potter, the secretary of the Osoyoos Rural Ratepayers Association, says he and a large group of neighbours have made it very clear to Telus officials that erecting a large tower like this so close to a residential neighbourhood simply isn’t a good idea.
A group of a dozen or so neighbours showed up at a public hearing relating to this project on Nov. 22.
Potter, who attended the meeting, said the majority of his neighbours didn’t know anything about the meeting or many more people would have showed up to speak out against it.
Not only will the tower impede the view of Osoyoos Lake for many homeowners, but there are also concerns about the effects of radiation that are emitted, despite assurances from Telus that there aren’t any risks to human health.
Liz Sauve, a senior communications manager with Telus, said the proposed site has been selected because it is the only site in town that will provide the same level of coverage that Telus customers have come to expect.
Two other sites that have been proposed by residents in the area have been checked out by Telus engineers, but have proven ineffective in providing the cellphone coverage demanded by customers in town and those travelling north of Osoyoos towards Oliver and Penticton, she said.
Two years ago, a group of neighbours on the other side of town, who lived in rural homes and properties just off of Hwy. 97 near the Shell gas station raised a big stink when Rogers was proposing to build a telecommunications tower that would have been 50-metres tall.
Because of the protests of neighbours, Rogers eventually withdrew its proposal to erect the tower in that area.
It doesn’t, however, appear Telus is willing to back down on this latest proposal as Sauve made it clear the company believes its proposed location is the only one that can provide the level of service demanded by customers.
This will be a tough call for RDOS members.
In this day and age, it’s a stark reality that large telecommunications companies like Telus need to modernize their infrastructure.
It’s also a reality that the majority of local citizens – and citizens across Canada – own a cellphone. And they want and demand excellent coverage and service from their providers.
You can’t blame homeowners from not wanting a large structure like this from being erected near beautiful homes in a magnificent setting overlooking Osoyoos Lake.
There’s no argument that a large metal structure standing close to 60-feet high stands out like a proverbial sore thumb in a neighbourhood filled with beautiful rural properties and vineyards.
But you can’t blame Telus officials from looking for the best possible site to provide the quality service customers demand.
At the end of the day, the RDOS board has their hands full in making this decision, but if they turn down the application, there’s no doubt Telus officials will find another suitable location elsewhere in town that won’t upset so many local residents.
Local residents have until end of business on Friday to voice their opinions to Telus and there’s no doubt many will do just that.
