Etobicoke Residents Push Back Against Proposed 5G Cell Tower

The arrival of 5G technology has been heralded as a major step forward in connectivity, promising faster internet speeds, smoother streaming, and better coverage. But with these advancements come concerns—some rooted in science, others in perception—about the potential health impacts of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

A recent article from the Toronto Star, “Residents, politicians oppose 5G cell tower in Etobicoke despite safety assurances,” explores the latest chapter in this debate, centered around a proposed 25-metre cell tower in Etobicoke.

The Tower Proposal

Oakville-based firm Shared Tower has applied to build the tower in a strip mall parking lot at Rathburn Road and Renforth Drive, just across from Centennial Park. 

The plan is for the tower to host equipment for multiple cellular providers, addressing ongoing complaints of poor service in the area. The company stressed that the tower would improve both data and voice coverage and confirmed that the installation would comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 guidelines, which set limits for exposure to radiofrequency fields.

Community Concerns 

Despite these assurances, local pushback has been strong. Some residents, joined by political representatives including Ward 2 Councillor Stephen Holyday and Liberal MP Yvan Baker, have voiced opposition. Their main worry? 

The potential health effects of long-term exposure to signals emitted by the tower, especially for children in nearby schools and seniors in a local care facility.

A petition spearheaded by resident Teresa Del Guidice and the group Don’t Stop Now (Etobicoke Community for Safe Technology) has gathered support, citing research and anecdotal reports of health issues near existing towers. 

Concerns listed include:

• Headaches and insomnia
• Attention and focus issues
• Irregular heartbeats
• Skin rashes
• Increased cancer risks

The petition argues that “the negative impacts of the health risks outweigh the internet-availability benefits.”

What Health Canada Says

Health Canada, however, maintains that there is no evidence linking cellphone towers or 5G technology to negative health effects at the levels permitted in Canada. 

According to their statement: “Thousands of scientific studies have evaluated the safety of radiofrequency EMF. Evidence from these studies has established only two adverse health effects that can occur at levels above the Canadian limits—tissue heating, such as the warming of your skin, and nerve stimulation, which can cause a tingling sensation.” Shared Tower’s representatives echoed this, noting that the tower’s emissions would be well below these established limits and that compliance is strictly enforced.

The Debate Over Democracy and Trust 

While science provides one perspective, the heart of the issue may also be about trust and process. Several community leaders have argued that residents feel unheard in the decision-making process. Toronto school trustees and local politicians have stressed the need for more transparent community engagement, even if the evidence does not support the fears being raised. As Trustee Markus de Domenico put it: “Every decision… whether it’s a homeless shelter or a food bank or a 5G tower, I don’t like the idea of the big brained saying, ‘You people really don’t know well enough,’ and tap them on the head and tell them what’s going to happen. That’s not democracy.”

The Bigger Picture 

The Etobicoke case is part of a wider trend seen across North America. As 5G expands, opposition groups continue to surface, driven by a mix of scientific concern, community activism, and in some cases, online misinformation. Experts such as University of Waterloo researcher Carmen Celestini point out that fears around 5G often intersect with broader distrust in institutions—seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and in anti-vaccination movements. While some opposition stems from genuine questions about health, others are fueled by conspiracy theories that persist in online spaces.

Conclusion 

The proposed Etobicoke tower sits at the crossroads of technology, health science, and community trust. While Health Canada and scientific evidence suggest the tower poses no health risks, many residents remain unconvinced, pushing back against what they see as a lack of democratic consultation and prioritization of local well-being. This debate captures the tension between the drive for better connectivity and the responsibility to address public fears—whether grounded in evidence or not. 👉 To read the full story from the Toronto Star, click here: Residents, politicians oppose 5G cell tower in Etobicoke despite safety assurances