Residents coping with wayward electronics may be getting a little help from Colwood.

The proposed Nuisance (Electronic Signals) bylaw, which was granted third reading in September, resulted from reports from Triangle Mountain residents that signals from nearby transmission towers were wreacking havoc on their household electronics. If approved, the bylaw would grant the City the right to fine property owners who host towers on their land.

“This bylaw is no different from one that holds owners of property responsible for allowing marijuana grow-ops on their property,” said Sharon Noble, a member of the Triangle Mountain transmission tower task force, which helped create the bylaw. “Laws are being broken and the owner of the property should not allow this to happen.  “

For nearly a decade residents have reported interference, such as music playing over telephones, VCRs malfunctioning, and garage doors opening and closing by themselves. Transmission towers hosting antennas for telecommunications and radio signals have been identified as the problem.

“In 2001 Industry Canada determined that the power produced by these transmitters was 1,100 per cent too high, and under its own policy, the power should be reduced,” Noble said. “But so far nothing has been done by either Industry Canada or these FM stations, and interference continues.”

The proposed bylaw drew the ire of resident Evelyn Schumacher who said it will “create a lot more harm then it was intended to.” She raised concerns of people being fined for using everyday electronics, which could be up to $10,000.

“This bylaw is targeting John Q average citizen,” Schumacher said. “Is this a reasonable penalty when the offender might not even know they are causing a problem?”

Electronic refers to radio, television, radar and transmitter signals, Noble explained, not household equipment.

Transmission towers, including where they are sited, are under Industry Canada jurisdiction.

Before a fine is levied, the recipient would be contacted and educated about the infraction. They would also be given a chance to rectify the problem. Approving the bylaw doesn’t set the law in stone, said Coun. Cynthia Day.

“If bylaws become onerous on everyday citizens ... we have the power to amend our bylaws,” Day said.

Before it can go to final reading, it will be reviewed at the committee level to determine how it would be enforced, said administrator Chris Pease.

“We need guidelines on how to interpret the bylaw to make sure the infractions stick,” he said.

There is no timeframe for when the bylaw is expected back at council for final consideration.

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