Observer SALMON ARM
Wednesday August 29, 2012 www.saobserver.net $1.25 HST INCLUDED PM40008236
No review needed for projects Environment: Legislation now excludes several Shuswap developments. By Martha Wickett OBSERVER STAFF
The Harper government’s Bill C-38 and its changes to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act are removing the requirement for a federal environmental assessment of several projects in the Shuswap. Close to 500 projects in B.C., which are termed ‘small, low risk,’ will no longer be required to complete assessments, according to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency agency website. It notes that on July 6, the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 came into force, replacing the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. In the Shuswap, those listed include: Willy’s Wharf on Shuswap Lake in Canoe; Old Town Bay Marina Resort construction on Shuswap Lake in Sicamous; West Beach Village Marina on Shuswap Lake near Lee Creek; a floating dock for boat moorage on Shuswap Lake in Shuswap Lake Park at Scotch Creek; a Sun Peaks access road in Chase; and a water supply and treatment upgrade in Chase. In an email, spokesperson for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Isabelle Perrault, states that “under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, numerous small, routine projects that posed little or no risk to the environment were subject to formal federal environment assessment.” “The new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, (CEAA 2012) focuses reviews on those project proposals that have a greater potential for significant adverse environmental effects in areas of federal jurisdiction.” “Screening-type environmental assessments of most projects ceased when the new act came into force to ensure resources are allocated to the review of major projects,” she wrote.
JAMES MURRAY/OBSERVER
Shared concern: North Canoe residents Debbie Miyashita, Carmen and Jose Teixeira and Ernie Smith discuss the site of a proposed cell phone tower to be built on the other side of the field near their homes.
Anger over cell tower Canoe: Residents unhappy with location, Telus considers options. By Martha Wickett OBSERVER STAFF
A proposal to erect a cell phone tower on Lyman Hill in North Canoe has sparked strong opposition from neighbouring property owners. Standard Land Company Inc. plans to install three towers on behalf of Telus and, as required by Industry Canada, which governs such installations, must consult with the city. The one that is sparking opposition is a 45-metre tower at 6790-56th St. NE. City staff report that the earliest the proposal would come to council would be at a planning meeting on Oct. 1 followed by a council meeting on Oct. 9. Those dates are not yet confirmed. A Telus spokesperson, meanwhile, says the location is not set in stone and the company will explore other suggested locations, some of which were already investigated when the current site proposed was chosen.
Lyman Hill is on the opposite side of the highway from the town and Federated Co-operatives, just north of Hidden Valley Campground. About 35 people from the neighbourhood have signed a petition opposing what Telus calls a radio-communications facility, and several will be taking their views to city council. Paul Verney lives next to the proposed tower site, which is located on private land. He, like others, is concerned about the location, which he says will block views and reduce property values in the neighbourhood made up of rural acreages. He says his home will be closer to the tower than the owner of the property in question, who couldn’t be reached for comment by press time. Verney points out that cedar trees nearby are about 60 feet tall, while the tower – at 45 metres or about 147 feet – will be well over twice that height. The first call he made upon hearing of the proposal was to a realtor.
“He said your property value will devalue,” reports Verney, noting that where people now drive up and say, ‘what a beautiful place,’ the response will change with the addition of a huge tower nearby. “Everyone will say, ‘that’s a neighbourhood to avoid.’” He says the location chosen is easily accessible for Telus given that it’s 100 yards off the highway and will be plowed in the winter, thanks to taxpayer dollars. He points to Crown land above an acreage farther away from the highway that would not ruin anyone’s view or property values. “This is all about Telus making money... They make enormous amounts of money...,” he said. “If the neighbourhood is going to suffer, that’s not fair.” Telus spokesperson Shawn Hall disagrees. “The key thing to emphasize is why we are bringing this site in in the first See Telus on page A3
See Riparian on page A2
This week Activist Dan MacQuarrie lobbies for an outdoor ban on smoking at parks and beaches. See A8. Salmon Arm Sockeyes bring home 12 gold medals from provincials. See A19 for more.
Index Opinion ....................... A6 View Point .................. A7 Life & Times ............... A8 Sports .............. A17-A20 Arts & Events ... A21-A23 Time Out................... A24 Vol. 105, No. 35, 48 pages