The group fighting a plan to erect radio towers in Point Roberts is asking concerned residents to attend a town hall meeting next week to learn more about what's been happening and how they can help.
The meeting will have several guest speakers provide the latest information on the application by BBC Broadcasting Inc. to construct five 45-metre (150-foot) steel towers on an undeveloped lot on McKenzie Way just south of the border. The towers would transmit South Asian radio station KRPI, AM 1550, to a Lower Mainland audience.
The meeting, organized by the Cross Border Coalition to Stop the Radio Towers, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at Tsawwassen United Church, 693-53rd St.
Many residents in Tsawwassen and Point Roberts have been fighting the proposal due to concerns over blanketing interference that would cause havoc with household electronic devices. The station currently broadcasts using antenna in Ferndale, Wash.,
but wants to move them closer and have a stronger 50,000-watt, all-day signal.
The Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. has granted a construction permit but a conditional use permit is still required from Whatcom County, which will hold a public hearing on the issue late next month.
Next week's town hall meeting will discuss the likely day for public comments at the hearing and how to coordinate speakers from both sides of the border to best advance their case.
The hearing is scheduled to start Oct. 27 and could last up to five days. Opponents are gathering expert witnesses and have legal representation, but are looking to raise another $35,000 to fund their case.
Dozens of local merchants have helped the cause by placing donation jars in their businesses as well as petition sheets that will be forwarded to the House of Commons. Merchants have also donated many gift cards and goods that will be available for purchase at next Wednesday's meeting.
The coalition is also holding a benefit concert hosted by the Cottages at Seabright Farms in Point Roberts. The event, which will feature live music, a barbecue and silent auction, will take place Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, check notowers.webs.com.
