City Pleased With New Federal Cell Tower Regulations

The Government of Canada announced changes to Industry Canada's Antenna Tower Siting Policy on Feb. 5, which address some of the concerns previously raised by St. John’s City Council.
 
“I am pleased that Industry Canada is taking these steps to fix what was a loophole in their system that allowed cell phone towers under 15 meters to be erected without consultation with the municipality or area residents,” says Councillor Tom Hann, Chair, Planning and Development Standing Committee. “These changes will ensure that municipalities and residents will have their voices heard and meaningful input into where these towers are located within our community.”
 
The changes to the policy guiding the installation of new antenna towers will require companies to:

• Consult communities on all commercial tower installations, regardless of height;
• Build the tower within three years of consulting with communities; and
• Ensure that residents are well-informed of upcoming consultations. 

The City of St. John’s is working on its own cell phone tower siting protocol, which once completed will help guide cell phone tower placement within the City of St. John’s.
 
“The City and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has been very vocal on this issue,” says Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “We all fully understand the growing need for wireless communications. However, we must ensure cell phone towers are built in a way that is respectful of our community needs and interests as well. These changes to the federal policy are definitely a step in the right direction.”
 
 
For further information:
Jennifer Mills
Communications Officer
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail: jmills@stjohns.ca
 
Dennis O’Keefe
Mayor
City of St. John’s
Phone: (709) 576-8477
E-mail: dokeefe@stjohns.ca
 
Tom Hann
Councillor At Large
Chair, Planning and Development Standing Committee
City of St. John’s
Phone: (709) 576-8219
E-mail: thann@stjohns.ca