ARCHIVED—Gazette Notice No. DGRB-001-07

Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.

Department of Industry

Radiocommunication Act

Notice No. DGRB-001-07 - Release of Issue 4 of CPC-2-0-03, Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems

Intent

The purpose of this notice is to announce the release of the above-mentioned document. This Client Procedures Circular 2-0-03 is entitled Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems, Issue 4 and it replaces the former CPC-2-0-03 entitled Environmental Process, Radiofrequency Fields and Land-Use Consultation, Issue 3, June 24, 1995. The new procedures in this document will facilitate an open and transparent process with respect to antenna tower siting while ensuring the continued development of radiocommunication and broadcasting infrastructure.

Implementation

Although this document is being released today, there will be a six-month transition period during which the process set out in Issue 3 of CPC-2-0-03 will remain in effect. This transition period will allow the thousands of stakeholders across Canada, industry, government and the public, time to adapt to the updated process. Six months from the publication date of this Gazette notice (i.e. January 1, 2008), antenna system proponents will be required to carry out their new obligations.

Industry Canada recognizes that tower sharing is a matter on which a number of interested parties have commented. This same matter is the subject of comment in the context of the current and ongoing consultation on a policy framework for the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) auction. As such the Department takes no decision at this time and will do so as part of the AWS policy framework.

Background

Industry Canada's current antenna tower siting process has been in effect since June 1995. Since its implementation, demand for more innovative wireless services has resulted in a corresponding expansion of wireless infrastructure, including antenna towers and other antenna-supporting structures.

With the passage of time, Industry Canada recognized the need to modernize its antenna tower procedures and approval process. Consequently, in October 2002, the Department announced that it would undertake an independent national review of its antenna tower policies. In March 2003, the Department selected Professor David Townsend of the University of New Brunswick to lead the National Antenna Tower Policy Review, with the support and assistance of a National Antenna Tower Review Committee. This Committee was comprised of industry, academic and health experts, as well as municipal officials. In preparing its update, the Department has reviewed the recommendations of the National Antenna Tower Policy Review as well as those of the recently released Telecommunications Policy Review Panel.

Professor Townsend received an overwhelming response from Canadians to the national review, and consequently developed 34 recommendations to improve Industry Canada's antenna tower siting and approval process. The recommendations identified the need to: develop clearer policy and process requirements, better define stakeholder roles, and participate more in public education and outreach opportunities. Professor Townsend's final report and recommendations were presented to Industry Canada in December 2004, and were publicly released February 18, 2005.

This updated CPC addresses many of the key recommendations from the National Antenna Tower Policy Review. Industry Canada has heard the views of all those who participated in the Review's public consultation and has taken steps to balance the need for local involvement with the orderly development of radiocommunication in Canada.

Obtaining Copies

Copies of this notice and documents referred to herein are available electronically on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website at: http://www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum.

Official versions of Canada Gazette notices can be viewed on the Canada Gazette website at: www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/index-eng.html. Printed copies of notices can be ordered by calling the sales counter of Canadian Government Publishing at 613-941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

June 22, 2007



________________
Michael D. Connolly
Director General
Radiocommunications and Broadcasting
Regulatory Branch