White Rock council will support a call for participation in BC Hydro’s smart meters program to be optional.
Following a delegation by Linda Ewart – a White Rock resident representing Citizens for Safe Technology – Coun. Lynne Sinclair received unanimous support moved Monday to write the provincial government on behalf of citizens.
The group had initially asked the city to support a moratorium on the installation of smart meters, through a letter to the minister of health citing the possible health risks of the wireless technology.
But Sinclair noted such a move is not her role.
“I very carefully did not do that,” Sinclair confirmed to Peace Arch News Wednesday, following word an email was distributed by the group Tuesday thanking the city for supporting the moratorium. Sinclair noted she supports the smart-meter program in general, but believes citizens who feel their health is affected by the use of wireless devices should be able to choose whether or not they want to participate.
A similar resolution was passed by Union of B.C. Municipalites delegates last month, meaning White Rock will simply be repeating the message, Mayor Catherine Ferguson told the CST delegation.
CST executive director Una St. Clair told council the key issue is ensuring that the meters aren’t forced on residents.
“What’s more important is that people have the choice,” she said, noting there are ways to run the program using wired technology.
Sinclair’s motion passed with unanimous support. It brings to 23 the number of B.C. councils that have backed the CST’s call to some degree.