www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, February 15, 2012 · 8 Residents mount opposition to tower decision Continued from page 1 Also opposed to the expanded use of the tower were Ward 2 councillors Cathy Duddeck and Pam Damoff, who recently fought a cell tower proposal near Hopedale Mall. Featured speakers for the March 1 meeting include Dr. Magda Havas and Veronica Ciandre. Havas is associate professor of environmental and resource studies at Trent University where she teaches and researches the biological effects of environmental contaminants. Havas helped draft a 2004 resolution in Boston, which opposes the use of fire stations as base stations for cell towers until a study on the health effects of exposure to low-intensity radiofrequency (RF)/microwave (MW) radiation is conducted and it is proven such cell tower locations are not harmful to the health of firefighters. Robinson said the International Association of Firefighters passed this resolution. The veteran councillor also said Havas has appeared before the House of Commons' Standing Committee on Health to discuss the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Ciandre will discuss the health impacts she said she suffered when cell phone antennas were installed on the roof of her downtown Toronto apartment building in 2009. "I'm the first one to admit it will be a challenge to get the nine votes of council to overturn this decision, but it would be nice. Maybe, when the rest of council comes to understand ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER the medical and scientific concerns about this, they might PROTESTERS: About 40 people picketed in front of the cell reconsider," said Robinson. "Even if they don't, I'm hop- tower at the Bronte Road/Rebecca Street fire station Tuesday. Here, ing to find another site. There is Councillor Ralph Robinson speaks to residents out protesting. a potential site on Bronte Road Residents, including many young children, that is owned by a private company and Rogers is handed out `Say No to Bell' stickers and waved on that tower now." Robinson said this alternative site is far from signs reading, `No Antennas near Homes, Schools, Fire Stations' and `Bell have a heart. Take down any residences. Bronte residents have started a website featur- antennas.' While the firefighters in the station did not ing an online petition at www.mybronte.ca. On Tuesday, approximately 40 area residents come out to participate in the protest, some gathered in front of the Bronte Road/Rebecca accepted flowers and cookies when approached by Street fire station to protest the commercial use of protesters. For additional information about the upcomthe cell tower. Organizers of the event said the protest was a ing meeting, contact Robinson at 905-827-7659, Valentine's Day gift to the firefigheters at the sta- Johnston at 905-825-9586 or Brian Bell at 416tion who, they said, will be adversely affected by 305-4428. Robinson can also be e-mailed at rrobinson@ the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the cell oakville.ca. tower. www.facebook.com/ townofoakville @townofoakville The Duddeck and Damoff Family Day Skate Date Stride and glide with Ward 2 pride Monday, February 20, 3 to 5 p.m. at the Oakville Arena Lace up your skates and join Ward 2 Councillors Cathy Duddeck and Pam Damoff on Family Day at Oakville Arena, 133 Rebecca Street (at Kerr) for a free family skate. Donations of non-perishable food items welcome! Capacity restrictions in effect. Pucks, hockey sticks or equipment are prohibited. What do you think we should do with the current hospital lands? Let us know at the Design Options Workshop March 1, 2012 -- 7-9 p.m. Town Hall, Council Chamber 1225 Trafalgar Road This second workshop is an opportunity for you to review and provide input on the draft options for the redevelopment of the current Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) lands. Options were created from the input received at the first workshop and will be presented for feedback. The evening will start with a presentation at 7 p.m., followed by break-out sessions for you to get creative! Please register by Monday, February 27, 2012 so that we can organize the evening. To register call Susanna Willie at 905-845-6601, ext. 3959 or email swillie@oakville.ca For more information on the OTMH Lands Study, visit the town's website at www.oakville.ca/business/ot-memorial-hospital-lands-study.html Capacity restrictions apply to all skates. Registration is now open! The 2012 Spring/Summer guide is available for pick-up at community centres, seniors centres, libraries, pools, arenas and Town Hall. Of course, all of our programs and services are available at your fingertips online at www.oakville.ca. To register online or by phone, you will need a family PIN number and personal ID number (an IRIS card). Please call 905-845-6601, ext. 4747 to set up an account or email iris@oakville.ca. Please allow two business days to process new account requests. Registration start dates: Non-residents: Tuesday, February 21 at 9 a.m. Seniors Services: Friday, February 24 at 9 a.m. For more information call 905-338-4250 or www.oakville.ca