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Keith Watson (L) and son-in-law Justin Empson (R) are strongly opposed to a neighbouring proposed cell tower application. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
cell tower debate

‘It shatters us:’ neighbours enraged by proposed Nanoose Bay cellular tower

Jan 30, 2025 | 5:26 AM

NANOOSE BAY — Members of a typically quiet, rural Nanoose Bay neighbourhood are making a lot of noise about a cell tower application.

Proposed to be placed on private property at 1800 Serenity Pl., Rogers Communications hopes to install a 53-metre-high communications tower to improve area wireless services.

Justin Empson, along with his wife and two children, live next door to the proposed tower, about 160 meters away.

He was stunned when the tower application sign was erected earlier in the month outside their neighbourhood served by a private road.

“First reaction, we were gutted, just absolutely gutted,” Empson said. “Your heart drops to the pit of your stomach, you feel wronged. I was spiralling.”

While he understands the need to improve local cellular services, Empson said he and several other residents in the immediate area are opposed to the location as it has a direct negative impact on their way of life.

Empson and Watson look toward the site of a proposed cell tower they vehemently oppose (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

In addition to health concerns he has, Empson said a tower well above the area’s second growth treeline would be an ugly eyesore.

The value of their properties would surely drop, he said, stating the entire situation is an injustice.

“We take the hit, we take the loss; all of the emotional toll, the hardship it takes on on use while the neighbour gets paid, it doesn’t make sense, it’s not fair,” Empson told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Empson vowed their family would move if the application was granted.

“We’re trapped, do you take the risk and risk the health effects and stay in the home that you’ve built and planned on staying in forever and aging in place? Or do sell and take a massive loss knowing that you can’t rebuild the same thing?”

Empson recently launched an online petition linked here to draw more attention to the Nanoose Bay cell tower application.

Empson shares a sprawling acreage with his father-in-law, Keith Watson and his wife.

Watson said he and his wife are deeply distraught.

He said they wouldn’t be comfortable in such close proximity to a large cell tower.

“Putting a tower in a community goes against everything that we believe in. We believe in community, we want nature around us,” Watson said in the living room of his Serenity Pl. home.

Watson said he is primarily concerned about the health impacts of radiation the tower would constantly produce.

“It shatters us because we have built a hobby farm here, we want to watch our grandchildren grow up here. We thought we were protected.”

Nearby Stewart Rd. resident Joan Daly has lived on her property for over 60 years.

“We feel helpless,” she said.

Daly would like an alternative, more rural local site selected to improve cell services.

“People have lived on this land for over 100 years and all of a sudden one person can come in and cause that much disruption,” Daly said.

Serenity Pl. is home to a handful of strata acreages in rural Nanoose Bay off Stewart Rd. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

While the federal regulator (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada or ISED) governs cellular towers in Canada, applicants must apply to local governments, in this case, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).

A statement to NanaimoNewsNOW from the RDN’s manager of current planning Paul Thompson outlined the anticipated vetting process.

He noted the application will first be entertained by the RDN’s Electoral Area Services Committee (EASC) for a recommendation.

“The earliest the request will come to the RDN’s EASC is April. Following the consideration by the EASC the item will go to the RDN Board for a motion,” Thompson stated.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) states all antenna towers must satisfy its general and technical requirements and comply with Health Canada regulations.

Health Canada established safety guidelines for radio frequency exposure limits, known as Safety Code 6, which ISED states imposes strict limits on the radio frequency energy sent out by any antenna tower.

A public information meeting on the Nanoose Bay cell tower proposal is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Nanoose Bay Elementary School gym between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns regarding the Nanoose Bay cell tower proposal can be directed to Brian Cregg of Vancouver-based SitePath Consulting Ltd. by March 1, 2025.

In a previous statement to NanaimoNewsNOW, Rogers stated its intention is to improve wireless services in the northern area of Nanoose Bay, as well as Northwest Bay Rd. toward Parksville.

“We are committed to delivering a reliable, consistent wireless experience and are looking to enhance our network in Nanoose Bay to provide a more seamless coverage for residents, businesses and emergency responders. We strive to work closely with the local community to ensure our services, equipment and design meet their needs.”

If approved, Rogers noted the proposed Nanoose Bay site will provide improved service for Rogers, Fido and Chatr customers, including access to 911 for all wireless users.

The company is open to other service providers applying to benefit from its Nanoose Bay tower, if approved.

A cellular tower is proposed beyond this lot among rural residential properties in Nanoose Bay (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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