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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-116-02 CWJl1gron REPORT PLANNING SERVICES Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: Monday, November18, 2002 I)I;J... Report#: PSD-116-02 File#: PLN18.7 &fll-*fo--o ?- By-law #: Subject: POLICIES FOR NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AND TOWERS RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PSD-116-02 be received; and 2, THAT the policies for New Telecommunications Antenna and Towers on Attachment 1 be approved; and 3. THAT Mr. Alex Shephard, M.P., Mr. John O'Toole, M.P.P, Industry Canada, Rogers AT&T Wireless, Bell Mobility, Microcell, Telus Mobility and Mr. Stephen D'Agostino be advised of Council's decision. Submitted by: D vi . Crome, MCIP, R.P.P. Director of Planning Services ):J~ " a. '-' Reviewed by: U ~ \::.A) k Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer CS*DJC*sh November 7,2002 CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 F 905-623-0830 , ". REPORT NO.: PSD-116-02 PAGE 2 1,0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The recent advancements in wireless telecommunication technology have resulted in the rapid growth of the telecommunications industry. Industry Canada, under the Radio-communication Act is responsible for radio and telecommunications in Canada. In addition to issuing licenses to radio and telecommunications carriers, they also approve the installation of the infrastructure, including antennas and towers. Local municipalities do not have the constitutional authority to prohibit telecommunication antenna or towers through the Planning Act. 1.2 There are 20 telecommunications towers in the Municipality of Clarington. The majority of them have been erected in the last three years. During this time, the Municipality has received a number of complaints regarding the location of these towers and the lack of consultation with surrounding landowners prior to their installation. In response to the concerns, Planning Services Staff met with representatives from Industry Canada to explore opportunities to minimize the impact of antenna and towers and to notify the public. Industry Canada does require carriers to consult with local land use authorities (municipalities) and encourages public consultation. Federal authorities also encourage municipalities to develop protocols to assist carriers in seeking the optimal locations for towers and to provide a procedural framework for their installation and public consultation. The purpose of this report is to: . Provide an overview of federal procedures with respect to establishing new towers and significant antenna; . Provide an overview Official Plan policies and provisions in the Zoning By-law as it relates to telecommunications and current practices for permitting new telecommunications towers in Clarington; . Recommend policies for new telecommunication towers and significant antenna structures; and . Provide an overview of the consultation process with Industry Canada and the four main carriers. 610 REPORT NO.: PSD-116.02 PAGE 3 2.0 FEDERAL PROCEDURES 2.1 Industry Canada approves licenses to radio and telecommunication carriers to operate and authorizes the locations antenna and towers. Carriers wishing to establish new towers and significant antenna must do the following: . consult with the local land-use authority; . consult with Transport Canada where applicable to ensure antenna structures comply with painting and lighting requirements for aeronautical safety; . ensure that telecommunications facilities are installed and operate in a manner that complies with Health Canada's limits of exposure to radio-frequency fields emissions; and . where Industry Canada authorizes a specific site for a telecommunication facility, undertake an environmental assessment to comply with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. 2.2 Consultation with Local Land-use Authorities Industry Canada wants to work together to find mutually agreed upon locations for new antennas or towers. As such, it has defined roles for the local land use authorities, the carrier and itself. The land-use authority has an opportunity to influence the location of the tower, not only from a land-use compatibility perspective but from the community's perspective. It cannot however, prohibit the installation of a tower or a significant antenna. The carrier is required to consult with local land-use municipalities on the proposal, consider local concerns and if required seek altemative solutions. The carrier must provide a written attestation to Industry Canada that they have consulted with the local authority and have obtained their concurrence. The carrier must also outline any concerns and how they were addressed. Industry Canada approves the location of a telecommunication facility. If the carrier and the land-use authority cannot reach an agreement, then Industry Canada will ultimately decide as to what actions need to by taken based on the information 611 , REPORT NO.: PSD-116-02 PAGE 4 provided by both parties. Industry Canada expects the land-use authority to make its views known to a proponent within 60 days. All aspects of the consultation should be completed with 120 days. 2.3 Industry Canada is encouraging more communities to create policies to ensure there is a relatively consistent manner in which telecommunications towers are evaluated and the public is notified. Each one provides direction for optimal location for towers and antenna, site design and layout, a public consultation process and approvals. There are a number of communities in Ontario with existing protocols. At the present time, there are 14 communities in Central Ontario that are drafting policies. 3.0 CURRENT MUNICIPAL POLICY AND PROCEDURE 3.1 The Clarington Official Plan states the location of new utility facilities andlor corridors are generally permitted within any land use however, communications towers for radio, cable TV, and phone transmissions are not permitted within or adjacent to any residential areas or Central Areas. 3.2 Section 3.17 of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law states that the provisions of the by- law shall not apply to prohibit the use of any lot or the erection or use of any building or structure for the purposes of public services provided by any public authority including the Government of Canada. It also includes private utility companies operating under licence. As such, telecommunications towers are permitted in all zones. 3.3 At the present time, the Planning Services Department requests telecommunications carriers to apply for Site Plan Approval, for towers and equipment shelters. The carrier must submit an application, drawings and fees for processing. The carrier is then required to enter into a development agreement and meet conditions which may be imposed. The Site Plan Application is processed under Section 41 of the Planning Act. The Building Division also requires carriers to apply and receive a building permit for 612 '.' .~ REPORT NO.: PSD-116-02 PAGE 5 both the tower and equipment shelter or a significant antenna. However, a tower, antenna or equipment shelter is not subject to Ontario Building Code and does not require a building permit. Until recently, the carriers have been following these procedures without reluctance. However, in the course of developing this new policy, the carriers have indicated that they will not continue to seek approvals under the Planning Act. 4.0 NEW POLICY FOR TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNAS AND TOWERS 4.1 The purpose of the policy and procedure is to provide direction for selecting appropriate locations for telecommunications antenna and towers, which ultimately minimizes the number of such facilities and their visual impact, allowing for public input and providing a straight-forward process for the carrier for the installation of these facilities. (See Attachment 1) The highlights of the policy are noted below. Location and Sitina Criteria . The use of one or more antenna on a tower, or co-location, is favourable as is locating adjacent to existing towers or hydro transmission towers. . Maximizing distances from residential areas, community and institutional uses, historical downtown areas and waterfronts. . Towers should be located a minimum of 100m away from any existing residences. . Avoiding areas of visual prominence and vistas. . The use of various of methods to "camouflage" antenna and towers is encouraged, such as placing antenna in church steeples, flag poles, tree- like structures or any other everyday features. . Care shall be taken in the placement, style and colour of antenna and equipment shelters on existing buildings. . Maintaining a minimum 15 metres from road allowances. Public Consultation . The carrier is required provide notice to landowners in a prescribed area around the subject site and shall hold a public information centre prior to the installation of a tower. Planning Staff will attend for observation purposes. . The carriers will provide all relevant site drawings and pictures of the location and proposed tower superimposed on the photograph. 613 REPORT NO.: PSD-116-02 PAGE 6 Approvals . The Municipality will not issue any approvals either through site plan or building permit. The carrier will be required to submit an application for site plan approval for administrative purposes only. Applications will not be processed under the Planning Act. . The Director of Planning Services will issue a Letter of Recommendation to the carrier and Industry Canada to indicate that the carrier has consulted with the Municipality. Such letter will be issued within 60 days of the date the site plan application is submitted or when the carrier submits a Letter of Understanding to the Municipality's satisfaction which addresses various issues that may be applicable such as submitting structural drawings and engineering reports, entrance permits, security deposits and cash-in-Iieu for parkland dedication. 5.0 COMMENTS 5.1 Staff prepared these policies to ensure that installation of telecommunications towers and significant antenna are treated and processed in a consistent manner. Staff have consulted with representatives of Industry Canada and the four major carriers, being Bell Mobility, Microcell Connexions, Rogers AT &T Wireless and Telus Mobility, on several occasions throughout drafting these policies. 5.2 The carriers felt that the Municipality's earlier draft policy imposed requirements and processes that relied on the Planning Act and Building Code Act, which are not applicable to federally regulated infrastructure. In addition, they felt that the "zoning type language" was too prescriptive. The policy should not prohibit towers in certain land use designations prescribed in the Clarington Official Plan, nor should it impose unrealistic setbacks from residential uses, or limit the use of tower types or restrict their heights. The carriers did not want to enter into development agreements because it was similar to requirements under the Planning Act and it added on too much time to the approvals process. The carriers indicated towers needed to be located in areas of higher population such as residential, commercial, industrial areas and adjacent to major roads. To prohibit them in these areas would eliminate service to their clients. Telus Mobility, in particular was very concerned since they provide service to the Durham Regional Police, which needs a reliable wireless service in all 614 REPORT NO.: PSD-116-02 PAGE 7 locations. In addition, limiting the tower types and heights to monopoles in populated areas, would require the installation of more towers because they cannot support additional antenna. 5.3 Staff addressed the carriers concerns' by making the policy less prescriptive and more generalized with respect to the locational and siting requirements. The policy relies on the desire of the carriers to work with the Municipality and avoid situations where there is conflict with residents. 5.4 Carriers will also be required to provide a Letter of Undertaking, rather than a development agreement, which ensures that certain works will be completed but eliminates the need to register any agreement on title and reduces the timeline for approval. The Municipality's Solicitor is assisting with the preparation of standard Letter of Undertaking. 5.5 The carriers were satisfied with the public consultation process outline in the policy. Staff feel that we have addressed their issues in a satisfactory manner, while meeting our own objectives with respect to land use compatibility and public notification. 5.6 On October 31, 2002 Industry Minister Allan Rock announced a national consultation review of Industry Canada's antenna tower policy and siting procedures to begin early next year. According to Staff at Industry Canada the review may take one to two years and involve consultation with the carriers, wireless telecommunications users and various departments and agencies of the federal, provincial and local governments. Industry Canada encouraged Clarington to continue to proceed with approval of this policy but suggested that it may need some amendments depending on the conclusion of the federal government's review (see Attachment 2). 6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 The creation of Council approved new policies and procedures, provides a predictable criteria for siting towers and antenna and affords the public an opportunity for input. It is respectfully recommended that the Policy contained in Attachment 1 be APPROVED. 615 REPORT NO.: PSD-116-02 PAGE 8 Attachments Attachment 1 Attachment 2 New Telecommunications Antenna and Towers Policy Industry Canada Website Article on National Antenna Tower Policy Review Interested parties to be advised of Council's decision: Mr. Jack Hills Rogers AT&T Wireless 1 Mount Pleasant Road 10th Floor Toronto, Ontario M4 Y 2Y5 Mr. James Kennedy Telus Mobility Real Estate and Government Affairs 200 Consilium Place, Suite 600 Scarborough, Ontario M1 H 2J3 Mr. Dave Yaromich Bell Mobility 2920 Matheson Blvd. East Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5J4 Mr. Watson Reed Industry Canada 55 St. Clair Avenue East 9th Floor, Room 909 Toronto, Ontario M4T 1M2 Mitch St. Jacques Industry Canada 55 St. Clair Avenue East 9th Floor, Room 909 Toronto, Ontario M4T 1M2 Bill Reoch Microcell Connexions Inc. 20 Bay Street Suite 1601 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2N8 Andrew Walker Microcell Connexions Inc. 20 Bay Street Suite 1601 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2N8 Stephen J. D'Agostino Thomson Rogers Suite 3100 390 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5H 1W2 Mr. Alex Shephard MP 116 Water STreet Port Perry, ON L9L 1 R2 Mr. John O'Toole, MPP 75 King Street East Bowmanville, Ontario L 1 C 1 N4 ATTACHMENT 1 PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENTAL POLICY SUBSECTION: DEVELOPMENT GENERAL PSD.D01 APPROVED BY: Council SUBJECT: NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AND TOWERS DATE APPROVED! UPDATED: INTRODUCTION: In order to keep pace with the demand for telecommunications service, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of telecommunications towers erected across the Municipality of Clarington and more are anticipated in the coming years. Industry Canada, the approval authority for regulating telecommuni::ations facilities, ensures that municipalities are consulted prior to the erection of towers and significant antenna structures. The role of the Municipality of Clarington is to provide comments with respect to land use compatibility. The Municipality has no constitutional authority to regulate or prohibit telecommunications facilities. PURPOSE: To establish policies and procedures for the installation of new telecommunication antennas and towers which emphasize the following: . Selecting locations for telecommunication facilities which ultimately minimizes the number of such facilities and their visual impact; . Allowing input from the public; and . Providing a straight-forward process for the installation of new telecommunications facilities. POLICIES: 1. Definitions Antenna shall mean a device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, wireless communications signals or other communication signals. Alternative tower structures shall mean man-made support structures that camouflage or conceal the presence of antennas or towers such as flagpoles, clock towers, church steeples, street lights, artificial trees and other everyday features. Co-location shall mean the placement of one or more antenna on the same telecommunication tower or alternative tower structures. Equipment Shelter shall mean a structure containing equipment necessary to transmit and receive signals. Telecommunications Facilities shall mean telecommunication tower and!or antenna and an equipment shelter. Telecommunications Towers shall mean structures designed and constr4cted to support one or more antennas, including lattice towers, monopoles and guyed towers. MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT H:\Po1icy\Telecommunication Towers\Telecommunication Towers November 6.DOC] Revision Dale: October 24, 2002 Page I 617 DEVELOPMENT GENERAL PSD-D01 APPROVED BY: Council SUBJECT: NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AND TOWERS DATE APPROVEDI UPDATED: SUBSECTION: 2. Site Selection For New Telecommunication Towers a) The installation of new telecommunications facilities is discouraged unless all other options within the carriers search area have been explored and are considered not viable. The preferred methods of achieving additional capacity are: i. Co-location on existing towers or structures; ii. Location on hydro transmission towers; iii. Location of towers within or adjacent to hydro transmission corridors; iv. Use of alternative tower structures; and v. Clustering adjacent to existing telecommunication facilities. b) Telecommunications facilities shall be located in a manner which minimizes its visual impacts. When locating a new telecommunication facility the following shall considered: i. There shall be no negative impact on significant natural features or hazard land areas; ii. Distances shall be maximized from residential areas, community and institutional uses, historical downtown areas, and waterfront areas; iii. Towers shall generally be set back a minimum of 100m from any residential building; iv. Alternative tower structures are encouraged within 500 metres of Urban Area and Hamlet boundaries as identified in the Clarington Official Plan; v. A minimum 15 metre setback from road right-of-ways shall be maintaineQ vi. Terminal vistas from existing and future roads and areas of topographical prominence will be avoided; and vii. Locations and heights where Transport Canada will require lighting the tower. c) Telecommunication facilities shall not be permitted on unopened road allowances. 3. Site Desian and Lavout a) New Telecommunication Facilities The following shall be considered in the site design and layout of new telecommunications facilities: i) Planting of trees and shrubs around the perimeter fencing to mitigate the visual impact of the tower and equipment shelter; ii) Identification sign(s) of the carrier(s), measuring .55 square metres or less may be permitted on the equipment shelter or perimeter fencing subject to the issuance of a sign permit from the Municipality of Clarington; and iii) Where alternative tower structures are not feasible, telecommunication towers and equipment shelters shall blend in with the colour of its surroundings. MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT H:\Po1icy\Telecommunication Towers\Telecommunication Towers November 12.DOC] Revision Date: Nov. 12, 2002 Page 2 618 , . SUBSECTION: DEVELOPMENT GENERAL PSD-D01 APPROVED BY: Council SUBJECT: NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AND TOWERS DATE APPROVEDI UPDATED: b) Roof Tops or Existing Structures When locating telecommunications facilities on rooftops or existing structures, carriers shall endeavour to minimize the visual impacts of such facilities by considering the following: i. Utilizing alternative tower structures; ii. For new antenna, a maximum height of 6 metres above the highest point of the building or existing structure and a maximum 2 metre projection beyond the vertical projection of the building; iii. Equipment shelters on roof tops are setback from the roof edge not less than 5 metres. iv. The colour and architectural style of the antenna and equipment shelter shall blend in with the building or structure; and 4. Other a) The Municipality of Clarington will encourage buildings greater than 10 storeys to be pre-designed to accommodate telecommunication facilities. b) Telecommunication carriers shall be encouraged to remove facilities that have not been in use for six months or more, within 90 days of the six month period. PROCEDURES FOR MUNICIPAL COMMENTS AND APPROVALS 1. Pre-consuitation a) Prior to the installation of telecommunications facilities, carriers are strongly encouraged to consult with the Municipality's Planning Services Department, and Engineering Services Department to discuss the site search area, site selection, including land use compatibility, sensitive visual areas and vistas, existing and proposed land uses and other potential impacts. Consultation with the Chief Building Official may also be required. b) The carrier will be requested to consult with adjacent municipalities within 500 metres of the proposed facility site. The carrier shall provide written confirmation of this consultation to the Director of Planning Services. 2. Submission Reauirements For the purposes of administration and processing, carriers will be required to complete an application for site plan approval. The application shall be submitted to the Municipality of Clarington Planning Services Department with the appropriate fees. Such applications are not processed under Section 41 of the Planning Act. a) New Telecommunication Towers All proposals for new telecommunication towers, where consultation with the Municipality is required by Industry Canada, will include the following information: MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT H:\Policy\Telecommunication TowerslTelecommunication Towers November 6.DOq Revision Date: October 24,2002 Page 3 619 " . DEVELOPMENT GENERAL PSD-D01 APPROVED BY: Council SUBJECT: NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AND TOWERS DATE APPROVED/ UPDATED: SUBSECTION: i. Written justification from the carrier, as to the need for the telecommunication tower and that the proposed location for the new tower is the preferred alternative. Non-tower, co-location and alternative tower structures shall be addressed in the justification; ii. A site plan showing the subject property, including the existing property lines, or the leased area (if applicable), site grading, existing and proposed buildings, fences, buffering, existing and proposed landscaping, access, parking and type and height of the proposed tower structure; iii. Pictures of the location and the proposed tower and associated facilities superimposed on the picture from four directions, north, south, east and west; iv. Two sets of stamped engineered drawings to identify the tower design; and v. A map showing the horizontal distance between the tower installation and the nearest residential zone and/or residential dwelling. b) Roof Top or Existing Structures All proposals for telecommunication facilities on roof tops or existing structures, where consultation with the Municipality is required by Industry Canada. will include the following information: i. A statement from the proponent on the need for any increase in proposed tower height if applicable; ii. A plan showing the location proposed antenna and associated facilities on the roof top or structure; iii. Two sets of stamped engineered drawings to identify the antenna and associated facilities on the building rooftop or structure or any other requirements required by the Clarington Building Division; and iv. Upon review of the site plan, the Planning Services Department may require the carriers to submit pictures of the building or structure with the proposed antenna and equipment shelter superimposed on the picture from four directions; north, south, east and west. c) Alterations to Existing Facilities Where modifications to the site are proposed, which may include, but not be limited to, an increase in the height of the tower, additional equipment shelters or entrances, an amendment to an approved Site Plan may be required. 3. Public Consultation Process a) Public consultation is not required in the following situations: i) For roof top installations of antenna; ii) Co-location of antenna on an existing telecommunication tower or hydro tower; and jji) For ground-supported towers that are less than 16.5 metres above ground level. The Director of Planning Services may also exempt the carrier from the public consultation requirement following pre-consultation with the Planning Services Department and the carrier. MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT H:\Policy\Telecommunicatlon Towers\Telecommunication Towers November 6.DOC] Revision Date: October 24. 2002 62U Page 4 . ' . DEVELOPMENT GENERAL PSD-D01 APPROVED BY: Council SUBJECT: NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AND TOWERS DATE APPROVED/ UPDATED: SUBSECTION: Exemptions will generally be considered where towers are proposed adjacent to 250 kv or 500 kv hydro towers and adjacent to other telecommunication towers. b) Required Public Consultation i) Notice Requirements For proposed new telecommunication towers or significant alternations to existing towers, the carrier shall give written notice, by regular mail, to the owners and/or tenants of the lands within the circulation area of the sUbject property or leased area, Director of Planning Services, the Municipal Clerk. and all Members of Clarington Council. The circulation area for the notice is as follows: . Within Urban Areas, except for Future Urban Residential Areas - 120 metres or 4 times the height of the tower which ever is greater . In all other areas - 500 metres The notice shall include the following information: . The proposed leased area; . The proposed location of the telecommunication tower on the subject site; . A plan which shows the tower type, height, colour, associated structures, access locations and lighting; . Date, time and location of Public Information Centre; and . The name and telephone number of a contact person employed by the carrier, as well as a municipal contact person. The Municipality shall provide a mailing list to the carrier. Ii) Public Information Centre The Public Information Centre shall be held no sooner than 14 days and no later than 30 days of the notice being mailed. At the Public Information Centre the carrier shall be responsible for displaying all the necessary drawings and pictures. Subsequent to the Public Information Centre the carrier shall provide to the Planning Services Department the following: . A record of names, addresses and telephone numbers of attendees; . Notes of meeting which include issues and concerns that were raised; and . A letter indicating how the carrier will address the concerns, Staff from the Planning Services Department shall attend the Public Information Centre for observation only. MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT H:\Policy\Telecommunication Towers\Telecommunication Towers November 6.DOC] Revision Dale: October 24, 2002 621 Page 5 . SUBSECTION: DEVELOPMENT GENERAL PSD-D01 APPROVED BY: Council SUBJECT: NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA AND TOWERS DATE APPROVED! UPDATED: 4, Approvals a) Letter of Recommendation i. The Director of Planning Services will issue to the carrier with a copy to Industry Canada a Letter of Recommendation stating that the carrier has consulted with the Municipality. Such letter will be provided within 60 days from the date the application is submitted and deemed complete by the Planning Services Department or, in the case where a Letter of Undertaking is required, when a Letter of Undertaking has been completed to the Municipality's satisfaction. ii. If the Municipality of Clarington is not satisfied with the proposal, then the Director of Planning Services will issue a letter to the carrier, with a copy to Industry Canada, Members of Clarington Council and the Member of Parliament indicating the reasons why the Municipality is not satisfied with the antenna or tower. b) Letter of Undertaking i. Letter of Undertaking is required in all situations where: . a new telecommunication tower is constructed; · a new equipment shelter is to be constructed on a roof-top; and · a new equipment shelter is to be constructed to accommodate co-location antennae. ii. When the Municipality of Clarington is satisfied with the site location, layout and design the carrier will provide a Letter of Undertaking, in the Municipality's prescribed format, to address the following issues as they are applicable: . Site Plan and Landscaping drawings; . Building Permits; . Entrance Permits from the road authority; . Sign Permits from the Municipality of Clarington; . Security deposits for site works; . Road widenings and easements; . For new telecommunication facilities, submit payment to the Municipality of Clarington of $1,000.00 for cash-In-lieu of parkland dedication (2002 adjusted to annual inflation); . A commitment to remove all structures upon expiration of the leaseor use of tower; . A commitment to accommodate other carriers on site where feasible; and . Other conditions as required. MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT H:\Policy\Telecommunlcatlon Towers\Telecommunlcation Towers November a.DOC] Revision Date: October 24, 2002 Page 6 622 . , Allan Rock Announces National .' .. ... .www. ~gc.ca Media Room Newall....... 0 8po..,.., [1 Subo<;rib. to ~._ 0 E.m.M Upd.... Success Storie. 0 Photo G,"rv {1 Upcoming ev.nt. 0 Programs [J and SOf\'ices The Departmunt rJ Publications. [J Employment _, Opportunities L: ~ strategls.gc.ca (.~A"'" '.Il.,n ~H nnw_It lilt __ _ .,__.n __'~_~'__m_ iVET.'i..... .f :WE~Rl '.' , '1~V1r .;rviccs u for ~. Seniors Toklllg ac.ion on CI.mate Change lo~dhl'l. "t.,. f '(';11I 0111 ;1. 'If ATTACHMENT 2 Induslty Canada Industrio Canodo C cl'" ana a What's New Cnnada SIte , . 1:"1111 AI/an Rock Announces National Antenna Tower Policy Review OTTAWA, October 31,2002 --Industry Minister Allan Rock today announced a national consultation review 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 embrace community involvement and expand the economic and social benefits of wireless technologies across Canada," said Minister Rock "I look forward to the results of the consultation and review to ensure our policy 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 number of antenna towers being erected across Canada. The rules governing these towers fall under the Radiocommunication Act, administered by Industry Canada. The review will provide an opportunity to identify a wide range of subjects for possible improvements to existing 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 debates surrounding specific tower placements? . What means are available to readily identify whether a proposed installation may create radiofrequency 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 be provided? . How and to what extent can tower sharing be utilized in order to reduce the overall number of towers? . Can protocols be arranged between local land use authorities and antenna proponents regarding the planning and siting of antenna structures, visual guidelines and dispute resolution mechanisms? "Access to modern wireless technology is critical to social and economic 623 http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomei.. .I85256a220056c2a485256c63004e3fb9 !OpenDocumen 11/7/2002 . Allan Rock Announces National .' . Page 2 of 3 development in rural and urban Canadian communities," Minister Rock concluded. "I look forward to working with stake-holders and citizens to ensure Canadians receive the benefits of this innovative technology, while maintaining and enhancing 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 Polley 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 adverse environmental effects; . Radiofrequency fieids -- Industry Canada sets the requirements for the safety of radiocommunication equipment in Canada. For this purpose, Industry Canada had adopted the radiofrequency emission limits outlined in Health Canada's Safety Code 6 guidelines. All radiocommunication devices must meet this safety standard; . Land use consultations .- The Department has instituted land-use consultation processes to ensure that municipalities and other land- use authorities are made aware of proposed installations prior to construction. Once a particular municipality is informed of a proposal, it should have 30 days to make its views known and another 90 to consult with citizens. Parties are encouraged to work together toward solutions that minimize community impact, inciuding sharing existing antenna structures where possible; and . Aeronautical obstruction clearance -- Industry Canada requires proponents to ensure their towers are 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 the incidence of surprise that can accompany the appearance of new antenna towers; . defining the most appropriate time frames for the processes of 624 hllP://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomei.. ./85256a220056c2a485256c63004e3tb9 !OpenDocumen lln 12002 .. Allan Rock Announces National . ~ Page 3 of3 approving and resolving debates surrounding specific tower placements; · determining the best means available to readily identify whether a proposed installation may create radiofrequency 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 to concerned 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 that embrace the pianning and siting of antenna structures, visual guidelines and dispute-resolution mechanisms. 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. .+. Government of Canada Gouvernement du Canada Date Modified: 2002-10-31 ...... Important Notices 625 http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomei. ../85256a220056c2a485256c63004e3fb9 !OpenDocumen IIn /2002