Radiocommunication Towers, Environmental Assessment and Safety Code 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Compiled by Industry Canada

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Why should I read this brochure?

This brochure answers the most common questions about radiocommunication facilities (antennas and towers). This side of the brochure answers questions about Industry Canada's procedures for tower location, environmental concerns and community consultation.

Industry Canada is responsible for authorizing devices that use radiofrequencies (RF) to provide many different kinds of telecommunications services. Before a radio station is installed, consideration is given to how an antenna and its supporting structure may affect the surrounding area. Consideration is also given to effects on: the environment, other radio users, and local land use.

Industry Canada requires that radio facilities be operated in accordance with the guidelines set by Health Canada to protect people who live or work near a radiocommunication facility. Please turn to the other side of the brochure for answers to health and safety questions.

Why are towers necessary?

A radio antenna and a tower are the two most important parts of a radiocommunication system. The antenna is needed to send and receive signals for the radio station. The tower raises the antenna above obstructions such as trees and buildings so that it can send and receive these signals clearly.

Each radio station and its antenna system (including the tower) provide radio coverage to a specific geographic area, often called a cell. The antenna system must be carefully located to ensure that it provides a good signal over the whole cell area, without interfering with other stations.

In areas where there are many cells, the antennas do not need to be very high. Where the cells are larger, the antennas must be higher above the ground to provide good radio coverage for the whole area.

If the station is part of a radio telephone network, the number of stations needed also depends on how many people are using the network. If the number of stations is too small, people may not be able to connect to the network, or the quality of service may decrease.

As demand increases for mobile phones and new telecommunication services, additional towers are required to maintain or improve the quality of service to the public.

Why was this location chosen and why can't they use an existing tower?

Industry Canada encourages radio station applicants to locate a proposed antenna on an already existing structure whenever possible. However, technical and other considerations may make it impossible for two stations to share the same structure. For example, the size of the area to be covered, or the specific technical requirements for the proposed station, may make it impossible to use an existing structure.

Should I be concerned about the tower falling and damaging my property?

No - this should not be a concern. Towers are designed and built using good engineering practices. Special requirements for a specific site are also taken into consideration when designing the tower.

Why must the tower be painted and have lights?

The height of a tower may pose a hazard for aircraft. Paint and lighting requirements are set by Transport Canada to ensure aeronautical safety.

How does Industry Canada deal with environmental concerns related to radiocommunication installations?

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) requires Industry Canada to consider environmental concerns when reviewing licence applications. The first step is to determine whether an environmental assessment is required.

Most radiocommunication antennas and their supporting structures have no significant effect on the environment. As a result, the CEAA excludes them from environmental assessment (CEAA: Exclusion List Regulations).

What should I do if I am concerned about a proposed tower in my community?

Industry Canada recognizes that the local community may have concerns about the location of a radiocommunication tower. As a result, the Department requires proponents of significant antenna structures to consult with municipal land-use authorities. If you have concerns about a proposed tower in your community, you may wish to make your views known to your local municipal officials. Local concerns can be taken into consideration during the consultation process with the proponent of the radiocommunication facility.

What does Industry Canada expect from the consultation process?

The consultation process ensures that local municipal land-use authorities have the opportunity to influence the location of radiocommunication antenna structures. Industry Canada expects that involved parties will examine the proposal, consider each other's concerns and attempt to arrive at solutions that do not unduly restrict the antenna structure. The consultation process attempts to resolve concerns at the local level.

Must towers comply with local zoning by-laws?

Industry Canada encourages all proponents of radiocommunication facilities to comply with local zoning by-laws where they exist. However, local by-laws cannot prevent a radiocommunication facility from being built as Industry Canada has the final authority over radiocommunication towers and facilities under the Radiocommunication Act.

Will my radio and TV reception be affected by the proposed tower?

Television and radio reception are not usually affected by a new radiocommunication facility. If you do experience interference, we suggest that you contact the operator of the station. Industry Canada encourages operators to work with their neighbours to resolve interference problems as quickly as possible.

What is the role of Industry Canada in evaluating exposure to radiofrequency fields?

Industry Canada licenses and approves equipment and facilities that emit radiofrequency fields. Since the area of health is not in our mandate, we rely on Health Canada for advice on safe levels of exposure to radiofrequency fields.

Industry Canada requires that all radio stations be operated within the guidelines established by Health Canada's Radiation Protection Bureau in its publication, Limits of Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields at Frequencies from 10 kHz - 300 GHz. This document is also known as Safety Code 6.

Industry Canada Reference and Contacts: 

Reference:

Client Procedures Circular, CPC 2-0-03, Environmental Process, Radiofrequency Fields and Land-Use Consultation

Contacts: 

If you want more information: 

Consult your nearest Industry Canada Spectrum Management office.

Catalogue Number C2-319/1997E
ISBN 0-662-25638-7

Aussi disponible en français
No. de catalogue C2/319/1997F
ISBN 0-662-81979-9

© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 1997