OTTAWA, October 31, 2002 — Industry Minister Allan Rock today announced a national consultationreview of Industry Canada's antenna tower policy and siting procedures to begin early next year.
"Our goal is to ensure that we have modernized procedures for antenna tower placement that embracecommunity involvement and expand the economic and social benefits of wireless technologies acrossCanada," said Minister Rock "I look forward to the results of the consultation and review to ensure ourpolicy reflects the new and emerging technological realities of our society."
In recent years, the growth of wireless communications has caused a substantial increase in the numberof antenna towers being erected across Canada. The rules governing these towers fall under theRadiocommunication Act, administered by Industry Canada.
The review will provide an opportunity to identify a wide range of subjects for possible improvements toexisting antenna site approval procedures, including:
- How can the local consultation process regarding the siting of a specific tower be improved?
- What are the most appropriate time frames for the processes of approving and resolving debatessurrounding specific tower placements?
- What means are available to readily identify whether a proposed installation may createradiofrequency fields in excess of established exposure limits in areas where people live and work?
- What information would most benefit concerned members of the public and how should it beprovided?
- How and to what extent can tower sharing be utilized in order to reduce the overall number oftowers?
- Can protocols be arranged between local land use authorities and antenna proponents regarding theplanning and siting of antenna structures, visual guidelines and dispute resolution mechanisms?
"Access to modern wireless technology is critical to social and economic development in rural and urbanCanadian communities," Minister Rock concluded. "I look forward to working with stake-holders andcitizens to ensure Canadians receive the benefits of this innovative technology, while maintaining andenhancing our quality of life."
A detailed backgrounder outlining current procedures and key issues for consultation is attached.
For more information, please contact:
Selena Beattie
Minister Rock's Office
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
Backgrounder
National Antenna Tower Policy Review
Current procedures used to determine tower placements
- Environment — Industry Canada requires that all proposals be compliant with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act to ensure that an installation will have no significant adverseenvironmental effects;
- Radiofrequency fields — Industry Canada sets the requirements for the safety ofradiocommunication equipment in Canada. For this purpose, Industry Canada had adopted theradiofrequency emission limits outlined in Health Canada's Safety Code 6 guidelines. Allradiocommunication devices must meet this safety standard;
- Land use consultations — The Department has instituted land-use consultation processes to ensurethat municipalities and other land-use authorities are made aware of proposed installations prior toconstruction. Once a particular municipality is informed of a proposal, it should have 30 days tomake its views known and another 90 to consult with citizens. Parties are encouraged to worktogether toward solutions that minimize community impact, including sharing existing antennastructures where possible; and
- Aeronautical obstruction clearance — Industry Canada requires proponents to ensure their towersare first reviewed by Transport Canada to ensure they pose no hazard to air navigation.
Specific issues which may guide the consultation:
- improving the local consultation process regarding the siting of a specific tower to reduce theincidence of surprise that can accompany the appearance of new antenna towers;
- defining the most appropriate time frames for the processes of approving and resolving debatessurrounding specific tower placements;
- determining the best means available to readily identify whether a proposed installation may createradiofrequency fields in excess of established exposure limits in areas where people live and work;
- determining the most useful and helpful information and the best means of providing it toconcerned members of the public;
- assessing how and to what extent towers can be shared in order to reduce their total number; and
- establishing the best protocols for use by local land-use authorities and antenna proponents thatembrace the planning and siting of antenna structures, visual guidelines and dispute-resolutionmechanisms.
The review process
A Chairperson to the review committee will be named in the coming weeks. A consultation document, including information on how the public can participate in the review, will follow.