Antenna Towers in Your Community: Frequently Asked Questions (in support of CPC-2-0-03 - Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems)

Released: June 2007
Effective: January 1, 2008

Overview

Radio, TV, cell phones, two-way radios and other devices would not work without towers and the antennas they support. Consumers, businesses, police, firefighters, ambulances, air navigation and national defence communications all depend on antenna towers.

Questions

1. Why does the antenna tower have to be in my neighbourhood?
   
   
2. Can existing towers be used?
   
   
3. Who regulates the installation of antenna towers?
   
   
4. Who sets public health standards?
   
   
5. Why must the tower be painted and have lights?
   
   
6. Are environmental concerns taken into consideration?
   
   
7. Are local zoning bylaws taken into consideration?
   
   
8. What about my views on the antenna location?
   
   
9. What happens if I still object?
   
   
10. How can I find more information?
    
    

1. Why does the antenna tower have to be in my neighbourhood?

The location of towers is important to providing the quality of service that the public expects. Radio waves are limited in how far they can travel, while still being reliable. Demand for wireless services is increasing rapidly, and to meet this demand more towers are required, often closer to users.

2. Can existing towers be used?

Industry Canada requires antenna tower proponents to consider the use of existing structures as much as possible. In some instances, because of technical constraints, sharing existing structures is not always feasible.

3. Who regulates the installation of antenna towers?

Industry Canada is responsible for this.

4. Who sets public health standards?

Health Canada has safety guidelines for human exposure to radio frequency fields outlined in its Safety Code 6 publication. These guidelines are available from Health Canada. Industry Canada requires new and existing wireless and broadcasting facilities to comply with Safety Code 6 guidelines.

5. Why must the tower be painted and have lights?

Paint and lights ensure that the tower is visible to aircraft. Options may be available and where concerns exist these should be reviewed with the proponent.

6. Are environmental concerns taken into consideration?

Yes. Installation and modification of antenna systems must comply with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

7. Are local zoning bylaws taken into consideration?

Yes. Industry Canada requires antenna tower proponents to consult with local land-use authorities and the affected public in order to work toward solutions that consider each other's interests.

8. What about my views on the antenna location?

Industry Canada recognizes that individuals may have concerns with respect to the location and appearance of antennas and their supporting structures. Industry Canada has developed a process to facilitate meaningful discussion among stakeholders. It is within this process that you can express your views and concerns. Industry Canada requires antenna tower proponents to consult with local land-use authorities and the affected public in order to work toward solutions that consider each other's interests.

9. What happens if I still object?

You should advise the proponent, your local land-use authority or municipal office, and your local Industry Canada Office. Where concerns are reasonable and relevant, Industry Canada will help negotiate a solution.

10. How can I find more information?

The Industry Canada document outlining the general consultation and approval process for all antenna systems in Canada is provided in Client Procedures Circular 2-0-03 entitled Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems.

CPC-2-0-03 is available on Industry Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website at www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/antenna.

Industry Canada has local representation throughout Canada. To find an office nearest you, please consult Radiocommunication Information Circular 66, Addresses and Telephone Numbers of Regional and District Offices (RIC -66), which can also be found at the above website or in your blue pages under Radio Licensing.