Tenants of a Port Coquitlam apartment block will get cell towers on the building's roof despite raising concerns over potential health impacts.
Yesterday (Tuesday), the city’s committee of council approved a development permit to regulate rooftop additions at Bonnie Brae Apartments on Western Drive.
Its residents had presented a petition to oppose installation of the Rogers telecommunications equipment.
Earlier this fall, they also lobbied Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon and the School District 43 board of education to stop the proposal by Cypress Land Services as Bonnie Brae is located close to Mary Hill elementary.
Coun. Laura Dupont voted against the full antenna shrouding — the only permit before city council as cell towers are regulated by the federal government — saying she would prefer to have them exposed rather than covered.
“I don’t think this type of infrastructure is appropriate,” she said, noting the screening isn’t architecturally sensitive. “I don’t support hiding it in any way.”
