Cell tower proposal in Liverpool could end housing development

A local developer says he will halt any more construction on Cobb’s Ridge if a proposed cell phone tower goes through.

Dale Whynot, general manager of Whynot family group of companies spoke in council on Jan. 22 against a proposed Eastlink cell phone tower at the end of Meadow Pond Lane. Whynot is developing two buildings of apartments on Cobb’s Ridge, and had intended to expand beyond that once project was finished and the units occupied.

Whynot said he is concerned about the unsightly view, and lowered property value because of the tower. However he emphasized it is the supposed unknown health effects that will make him rethink future development in close proximity.

“So council has to know that if this cell phone tower is erected, there are two buildings being built there now and there will only ever be two buildings built there,” he said. “We can’t take that financial risk without hard known facts that cell phone towers won’t cause any adverse health effects.”

Whynot said the repercussions would go beyond just fewer housing developments, and also affect the contractors and tradespeople who come in to work on the projects.

Whynot was one of two dozen people gathered to hear about the proposal, and one of a half dozen who spoke out against the proposed development. All were concerned about the potential health effects from the tower.

No one spoke in favour of the development.

The proposed tower will be 61 metres (200 feet) high, and about 213 metres (700 feet) from the closest dwelling. Eastlink has stated they will follow Health Canada’s guidelines on radio frequency, or RF, electromagnetic energy exposure.

The matter will go for vote in council in February.