Prompted by the massive turnout of residents at a recent meeting regarding a proposed 25-metre residential cellphone tower, the Town of Richmond Hill council has sent a flurry of letters to the federal government in an attempt to halt it.

According to local activists, an estimated 100 residents attended the council meeting to voice their opposition to the tower. Proposed by Bell Mobility at 9275 Bayview Ave., the application says the slim-line monopole radio communications tower would increase service for local customers in Thornhill.

Councillors, in a unanimous decision, recognized the residents’ opposition and resolved to back the residents. Because the town has no jurisdiction over the matter, Mayor Dave Barrow wrote letters to Industry Canada, the federal approval body for such proposals, as well as Health Canada, asking them to respect the wishes of locals and reject the proposal. Council also asked that the federal government respond to local concerns.

Peter Leung, vice-president of the Concerned Ratepayers of South East Richmond Hill, opposed the tower because it was within 50 metres of his neighbours. But what concerned the Miriam Crescent resident most was the lack of conclusive evidence regarding any long-term effects the tower might have on residents.

“There is no solid evidence saying ‘Yes, they are very dangerous’ or ‘No, they are not dangerous at all,’ ” he said. “I bet my life that even Industry Canada is not sure.”

In an email, Coun. Chan wrote that he has made a bid to rally local members of parliament to the cause.

A Bell Mobility representative was reached, but was unavailable for comment before press time.

Bell operated within Industry Canada’s guidelines, which require notifying any residents within a radius that is three times the proposed structure’s height, or 75 metres.