Sorrento Cell Tower Public Meeting
By Barbra Fairclough
Screenshot of one of the slides during online presentation of the proposed Telus Tower - Sorrento
Site Path Consulting held a public online consultation February 23. This was one step in reviewing the proposed TELUS cell tower to be located at 1030 Dilworth Road in Sorrento which includes the construction of a 58 meter tall self-support tower on a 79.97 acre privately owned lot.
The tower if it is constructed will provide high speed internet access and wireless service to Sorrento.
After an introductory presentation, the host Brian Gregg took questions and comments from residents. Residents attended virtually from around the region including from the North Shuswap. Among those who attended an unconfirmed number of 200 people gathered at Sorrento Memorial Hall and attended virtually as a group.
Several in attendance took turns voicing questions, concerns and opposition to the proposal. Concerns expressed related to the health of wildlife and the environment. Meeting host Brian Gregg clarified that some concerns raised were beyond the scope of the meeting and are best directed to Health Canada or other regulatory agencies that have oversight on the subject of concern.
Area C Director Natalya Melnychuk offered closing comments. She thanked the consultants for holding the meeting and extending the public comment period. She encouraged those who attended to raise their concerns in writing to Brian at In Site Path Consulting so that the full picture of the community’s interest can be included in the proposal’s subsequent report.
She thanked those residents who attended online and as a group at the hall in Sorrento. Director Melnychuk indicated, “I am listening and I am responding to calls in as quick a fashion as I can.”
The role of the CSRD is to provide a letter of concurrence as a stakeholder, which would be voted on as a whole board. The final decision-maker for the tower is Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Site Path Consulting host Brian Gregg addressed questions and comments on-line during the public meeting held on February 23rd, 2023 (Screenshot)
The opportunity for public comment has been extended to the close of business day March 2, 2023. The consultant will produce a summary report which will first go to the CSRD Planning Department prior to going to the board for discussion.
Contact Brian Gregg at briangregg@sitepathconsulting.com
Comments to: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) - Okanagan-Kootenay District Office 1726 Dolphin Avenue, Room 603, Kelowna BC V1Y 9R9 Tel: 250-470-5026 or 1-800-667-3780 Email: ic.spectrumkelowna-kelownaspectre.ic@canada.ca
Reference to the Scoops first article can be found here.
