Telecommunications Antenna Structures

Demand for wireless services and data has increased exponentially over the past decade with the demand for wireless technology devices such as smartphones and tablets.  While private individuals depend on these services to keep in touch with friends and family and to stay informed, businesses and emergency services providers rely on wireless services 24-hours-a-day.  To meet this demand, and provide reliable wireless coverage to our citizens, new telecommunications infrastructure is required in strategic locations across the City.

Telecommunications Antenna Structures and Systems

Telecommunications towers have evolved to now come in many shapes and sizes, from small units on lamp and utility poles to the familiar tall towers. The industry now refers to these as Antenna Structures or Systems.

Telecommunication Antenna Structure Siting Policy 

The City’s Telecommunications Antenna Structure Siting Policy establishes the local land use consultation process and guidelines for reviewing and evaluating antenna system siting within the City of Maple Ridge. The Policy explains the City’s preferences on antenna systems’ location and design. The City’s policy can be accessed here.

Telecommunication Antenna Structure Siting Proposals

In Canada, the Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, head of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (formerly known as Industry Canada) (ISED), has the authority under the Radiocommunication Act to approve antenna structure installations.

ISED makes the final decision to approve the location of new antenna structures. Municipalities do not have the authority to override ISED's decisions. The ISED’s CPC-2-0-03 Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems outlines the process to install or modify antenna systems.

The City’s Role

The City’s authority to regulate the siting of antenna systems permits it to establish siting guidelines for antenna structures and an accompanying community consultation process.   

The City works with proponents in review of their proposal and provides a statement of concurrence or non-concurrence to the Proponent and ISED.  The City does not have the authority to approve the installation of any telecommunications antenna structures – this authority rests solely with ISED.

The City's Concurrence Considers:

  • Land use compatibility of each antenna structure proposal
  • City of Maple Ridge’s design and location preferences
  • Comments from local residents
  • Adherence to the City’s Antenna Structure Siting Policy
  • City Council will consider all applications for Antenna Systems where City concurrence is required, for those applications that are not already excluded by ISED. The City may express its concurrence or concerns in respect of a proposed application as applicable.

Health & Safety Requirements

Health concerns relating to radiofrequency, energy, and safety fall under the national jurisdiction of Health Canada. Municipalities have no authority to regulate health and safety requirements related to antenna systems.  For more information on radiofrequency, health and safety, contact Health Canada at hcinfo.infosc@canada.ca or visit:

References

Federal References

Inquiries

Should you have any inquiries, questions or comments regarding telecommunications antenna structures, please email the City at antennas@mapleridge.ca.