WHEREAS telecommunications towers and antennae are governed and regulated by the federal government through Industry Canada and there is currently limited opportunity for input by the local government and its residents into their location and installation, and local government requirements, including those for building, development, land use and other permits, do not apply to telecommunications towers and antennae; AND WHEREAS the local government and its residents have legitimate concerns regarding the aesthetics of and impacts on the community as well as the potential health and safety impacts arising from the increasing proliferation of telecommunications towers and antennae throughout our communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM work with FCM and the federal government to require Industry Canada to conduct meaningful consultations with local governments prior to approval and installation of telecommunication towers or antennae, including input on siting, aesthetics, safety, intensity and impact on property values; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that UBCM work with FCM and the federal government to develop and adopt best practices for minimizing the impacts of towers in communities; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that where there are issues with towers following installation, that the federal government be required to work cooperatively with the local government to ensure issues are resolved in a timely manner.
Industry Canada, Coastal BC District Radiocommunication services are important for all Canadians and are used daily by the public, safety and security organizations, government, wireless service providers, broadcasters, utilities and businesses. While there is a certain measure of flexibility in the placement of antenna systems they are constrained by the need to achieve acceptable coverage for the service area, the availability of sites, technical limitations and safety. The Minister of Industry has the authority under the Radiocommunication Act to approve each site on which radiocommunication antenna systems may be located and to approve the erection of all masts, towers and other antenna-supporting structures. While this authority is exclusively within federal jurisdiction, municipalities and other land-use authorities, because of their local knowledge, have an important role to play in influencing the siting of antenna systems, including cell towers. Industry Canadas Client Procedure Circular CPC 2-0-03 Issue 4 describes the process that tower proponents must follow before installing antennas or antenna structures. This document can be found on-line at the Industry Canada web site located at: http:www.ic.gc.caepicsitesmt-gst.nsfensf08777e.html with additional information at Industry Canadas Antenna Structures web site located at: http:www.ic.gc.caeicsitesmt-gst.nsfenghsf01702.html These procedures were issued after extensive consultation with the industry, municipalities and the public. The main objective of the antenna siting procedures is to facilitate an open and transparent process that promotes the continued expansion of wireless technologies and services while permitting local views to be heard. Industry Canada understands the important role that local government has in the overall process and encourages the land-use authorities to create their own Antenna Siting Protocol to address local issues. A document Guide to assist Land-use Authorities in Developing Antenna Siting Protocols has been provided to assist in developing local protocols and can be found at: http:www.ic.gc.caeicsitesmt-gst.nsfengsf07012.html