Harrow, Ont. resident rallies opposition to proposed cell tower near homes

A Harrow, Ont. resident is speaking out following a proposal for a new cell phone tower located approximately 120 feet from his backyard fence. (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)

A Harrow homeowner is raising the alarm after learning a new cell tower could be built just feet from his backyard.

Zach Klein, who moved to the community from Toronto in May, says he was stunned to receive a letter of intent from Terrion, a tower operator headquartered in Montreal, the day before Halloween outlining plans for a tower approximately 120 feet from his fence.

“They sent a package in the mail informing me I have 30 days to essentially oppose,” Klein said. “It scared me, threw me for a loop.” He says he received no advance notice or consultation.

Klein acknowledges rural Essex County needs stronger telecommunications but believes residential areas should be off-limits.

“It needs to be in a place — which there’s plenty of here — industrial site,” he said. “That’s all we’re asking.”

Within five days of launching a petition, more than 600 people had signed on in support.

Through his research, Klein found the Town of Kingsville is pursuing a similar tower project but has held public consultations, something he says Harrow residents haven’t been offered.

“They got to talk to Terrion, they got to talk to Telus… but for the one place that’s getting it put up 120 feet away, there’s no open house for us,” he said.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy confirms notices have been sent by the company to homes near the proposed location and a full public-consultation package will be presented to council.

“I would say generally speaking, companies that come in and want to put up cell phone towers have listened to members of the public before,” Bondy said. “We’re going through the proper steps. Essex Council will receive the public consultation package and then we’ll have our say as council.”

Bondy says council will have an opportunity to endorse the project or outline concerns and notes final approval rests with the federal government.

There is no set timeline on when the package will be reviewed by council, but Bondy says residents near the proposed site will have a chance to share their thoughts.