Central Etobicoke residents are organizing to push back against the cell tower plan.
More than 1,000 Central Etobicoke residents have signed a petition to ban a planned 5G cell tower being planned for a neighbourhood mall to help with FIFA World Cup coverage.
Many residents are opposed to a proposed 25-metre cell tower planned to be erected in a parking lot of Renforth Plaza at 460 Renforth Drive.
More than 100 residents gathered at the Etobicoke Olympium last month for an information session held by Shared Tower, the company building the 5G tower, which is being used to boost FIFA World Cup coverage next year.
Many residents living in the area fear increased health risks – including cancer – from constant radio wave emissions from the tower.
The anxious residents warn emissions from the towers can lead to a number of medical ailments.
“We firmly believed that increased health risks will directly impact the community at large due to the radio frequency electromagnetic fields emitted from this tower,” according to the petition. “Several public schools exist within close proximity to the proposed tower,”
Residents have concerns that the proposed 5G site is close to residential areas, a retirement facility, Centennial Park and the Etobicoke Olympium where families gather.
“We trust that public health and safety will continue to be a priority and that our concerns will be taken seriously and heard,” the petition asked. “We firmly believe that the negative impacts of the health risks outweigh the internet-availability benefits.”
Ward 2 Councillor Stephen Holyday is against the G5 cell tower proposal and has written to the City against the plan.
Ward 2 Councillor Stephen Holyday said he is against the 5G tower plan.
“The issues raised include concerns over the height and built form of the tower, aesthetics, the placement on the site, [and] the appropriateness and proximity of the location of the radio communications equipment to sensitive uses such as residences and schools,” he wrote in a letter to City officials opposing the project.
“My position is consistent with that of the residents of the community. I am in opposition to this proposal.”
Resident Carlo Di Iorio is concerned about his family’s health and wellness.
“It is shocking news of a 5G tower that will become a serious health risk to so many individuals, including me and my family,” he said.
Ivana is also opposed to the tower , which will place “high-frequency transmitters in the heart of a family neighborhood, which is irresponsible and unacceptable.”
She warned the long-term health risks remain unclear, and ‘our homes, children, and shared spaces should not be used as test zones.’