Media Release - District seeks public comment on draft Wireless Communication Facilities Policy
Monday, September 24, 2012
West Vancouver, BC - The District of West Vancouver is seeking public comment on its draft Wireless Communication Facilities Policy. Originally drafted in 1997, the former policy aimed to provide guidance for community consultation on cell tower installations in West Vancouver. Since that time the industry has grown, the demand for services has grown, technologies have changed and questions and concerns about cell towers are increasing.
Cell towers, and the antennae and wireless spectrum they carry, are federally regulated by Industry Canada. Local governments, including the District of West Vancouver, do not have the authority to regulate cell towers but can specify public consultation processes that may result in cell towers which are located and designed more sensitively as a result of public feedback.
The draft Wireless Communication Facilities Policy seeks to modernize the original 1997 policy and provide more specific direction for how community consultation should take place with respect to new cell tower applications.
Provide Your Input Today
All interested community members are encouraged to submit their feedback on the draft policy by November 2, 2012. It’s easy to do:
1. Visit westvancouver.ca/celltowers for background on industry regulation and to read the draft policy.
2. Email your comments to celltowers@westvancouver.ca.
3. Stay tuned as the draft policy will return to Council in late 2012 or early 2013.
About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Michael Smith and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.
Media Contact
Donna Powers Acting Director of Communications
c: 604-219-4806 | d: 604-925-7168 | e: dpowers@westvancouver.ca