Debate over allowing wireless Internet into Greater Victoria schools will take centre stage again after a year-and-a-half hiatus.

The districtB次元官网网址檚 Wi-Fi committee, established in January 2011 to investigate parental concerns over alleged health affects linked to wireless Internet in schools, will meet Wednesday night (Oct. 17).

The committee plans to review any new information regarding the technology that was submitted between May 2011 and this month. It doesnB次元官网网址檛 plan on making a ruling yet on allowing Wi-Fi into schools.

B次元官网网址淭here is no question on the table that says B次元官网网址榮hould we or should we not?B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� said Pat Duncan, associate superintendent and committee chair.

B次元官网网址淧eople seem to think that thereB次元官网网址檚 a predetermined outcome, that: B次元官网网址楾he school board is putting Wi-Fi in schools,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� added Peg Orcherton, chair of the Greater Victoria board of education. B次元官网网址淭he determination as to what would happen hasnB次元官网网址檛 been made.B次元官网网址�

All high schools and one elementary school in the district have Wi-Fi, but the technology hasnB次元官网网址檛 been installed in any other schools since the committee was struck.

The committee set a deadline of Oct. 9 to collect new information for review. A small but vocal group of people opposed to Wi-Fi have submitted about 30 items for review, Duncan said, in addition to nearly 200 website addresses, which did not contain new information.

Committee member and board trustee Diane McNally, an outspoken opponent of Wi-Fi in schools, has brought forward her concerns not only regarding the safety technology, but also the way in which the committee was formed, with Duncan having taken over for previously appointed chair, former secretary-treasurer George Ambeault.

B次元官网网址淚 donB次元官网网址檛 understand why weB次元官网网址檙e meeting for no purpose,B次元官网网址� McNally said. B次元官网网址淭he fact that thereB次元官网网址檚 a meeting going to be held, to me would imply thereB次元官网网址檒l be a reconsideration. I question the whole legitimacy of the committee.B次元官网网址�

Orcherton said she has empathy for those on both sides of the emotional issue.

B次元官网网址淲e have a mission statement to keep our children safe,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淗aving said that we live in a huge world full of new technology.B次元官网网址�

The meeting is from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Greater Victoria board of education office, 556 Boleskine Rd.

nnorth@saanichnews.com