Editorial
Cell towers will never win any awards, certainly not “best new infrastructure in the neighbourhood.”
But they are considered crucial to network communications and improved service. Just not in your backyard, right?
Enter the District of Invermere, a hamlet that Rogers Communications has identified for upgrades. Now, a 25-metre (high) monopole downtown is by no means a reason to bring out the party supplies, but it’s necessary if you want to continue living in the modern age with all of the benefits. Living under a rock not included.
Erecting said pole near the arena is not ideal; too obtrusive, but there must be other, more suitable locations. It has been suggested that the pole be erected on private land or on the other side of Lake Windermere, which is not a bad idea. Out of sight, out of mind.
But the fact is, once a pole is established, even if it is smack dab in the heart of downtown, it won’t be noticed after a few months. At first it may look intrusive, but as hectic lives carry on, the pole’s impact will wane.
Some people are disappointed with Invermere council for breathing life back into the issue, but it was felt that improved communication service was worth it.
There are those who strongly believe (protesting for years) that cell towers are harmful to human health, causing all manner of maladies including cancer. But there has never been any conclusive, scientific proof of this.
The Canadian Cancer Society says current evidence “doesn’t show any short-term or long-term health effects from the signals produced by cell phone towers.” Of course, there are a number of studies that refute this.
The fact is people are exposed to radio frequency waves every time they use their cell phones, microwaves, television sets and computers. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, radio frequency fields are a possible cause of cancer, but more research is needed to confirm that.
Invermere council’s decision won’t please everyone, but it’s a decision it has to make for the district’s benefit. Ideally, a non-intrusive location for the tower is the best scenario that won’t have a negative impact on quality of life.
Lyonel Doherty, editor
