Communication Tower and Antenna Protocol

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Telecommunication towers are essential for ensuring strong communication networks, including mobile phone, radio, and television services. These towers are regulated and managed by the federal government through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

The County of Brant is undertaking a project to streamline and improve the process for installing telecommunications towers within the community, including potential changes to the County's existing Communication Tower and Antenna Protocol.

Proposed Changes to the County’s Protocol

  1. Delegated Authority for Streamlined Review Process: Authority to review and issue letters of concurrence or non-concurrence will be delegated to staff, specifically the Director of Development Planning, Development Services Division.
  2. Reduced Setback Requirements: The required distance from residential dwellings, natural heritage system features, and other sensitive land uses will be changed to 1.5 times the height of the tower, down from the current 120 meters.
  3. Reduced Business Case Requirements: The need for an implementation plan, expected costs over the project’s lifespan, anticipated outcomes, benefits, revenues, and risk assessments in the justification report will be removed.
  4. Reduced Mail Notice Radius: The radius for mailing notices to residents will be reduced from 500 meters to 120 meters around the subject property.
  5. Reduced Parking Requirements: The requirement for providing one parking space at each new communication tower and communication antenna site will be eliminated.
  6. Provide minor wording adjustments to more accurately reflect new technology. View the suggested highlight changes.

These changes aim to make the installation process more efficient while ensuring that local concerns are addressed and that the community is informed.

FAQs

We have included a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help answer some questions you may have about the project.


Stay informed

Scroll down to see the news feed of information including opportunities to engage, supporting information, and more.

Subscribe for updates and be the first to learn more about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

Telecommunication towers are essential for ensuring strong communication networks, including mobile phone, radio, and television services. These towers are regulated and managed by the federal government through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

The County of Brant is undertaking a project to streamline and improve the process for installing telecommunications towers within the community, including potential changes to the County's existing Communication Tower and Antenna Protocol.

Proposed Changes to the County’s Protocol

  1. Delegated Authority for Streamlined Review Process: Authority to review and issue letters of concurrence or non-concurrence will be delegated to staff, specifically the Director of Development Planning, Development Services Division.
  2. Reduced Setback Requirements: The required distance from residential dwellings, natural heritage system features, and other sensitive land uses will be changed to 1.5 times the height of the tower, down from the current 120 meters.
  3. Reduced Business Case Requirements: The need for an implementation plan, expected costs over the project’s lifespan, anticipated outcomes, benefits, revenues, and risk assessments in the justification report will be removed.
  4. Reduced Mail Notice Radius: The radius for mailing notices to residents will be reduced from 500 meters to 120 meters around the subject property.
  5. Reduced Parking Requirements: The requirement for providing one parking space at each new communication tower and communication antenna site will be eliminated.
  6. Provide minor wording adjustments to more accurately reflect new technology. View the suggested highlight changes.

These changes aim to make the installation process more efficient while ensuring that local concerns are addressed and that the community is informed.

FAQs

We have included a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help answer some questions you may have about the project.


Stay informed

Scroll down to see the news feed of information including opportunities to engage, supporting information, and more.

Subscribe for updates and be the first to learn more about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

Engagement as closed for this project. Thank you for your feedback!

County of Brant Staff aim to maintain a respectful and constructive dialogue with the public through all forms of communication. We understand and appreciate that people will have differing opinions and concerns, and welcome all feedback, questions, and comments in a respectful and constructive manner.

Please leave your comment or ask your question below. We will do our best to respond within 3 business days. You may also find answers to some of your questions on our FAQ page or by visiting the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) webpage.

As communications towers are the responsibility of the federal government, questions or comments regarding health concerns are to be directed to Health Canada at: 


  • Share I think reducing the mail notice requirement from 500m to 120m is unjustified.  At 120m you are well within the range of casting a shadow on an uniformed property.  If this cost is so prohibitive, why not reduce it down to 350m as this will typically reduce the amount of mailings by 50% while still informing all those within close range. on Facebook Share I think reducing the mail notice requirement from 500m to 120m is unjustified.  At 120m you are well within the range of casting a shadow on an uniformed property.  If this cost is so prohibitive, why not reduce it down to 350m as this will typically reduce the amount of mailings by 50% while still informing all those within close range. on Twitter Share I think reducing the mail notice requirement from 500m to 120m is unjustified.  At 120m you are well within the range of casting a shadow on an uniformed property.  If this cost is so prohibitive, why not reduce it down to 350m as this will typically reduce the amount of mailings by 50% while still informing all those within close range. on Linkedin Email I think reducing the mail notice requirement from 500m to 120m is unjustified.  At 120m you are well within the range of casting a shadow on an uniformed property.  If this cost is so prohibitive, why not reduce it down to 350m as this will typically reduce the amount of mailings by 50% while still informing all those within close range. link

    I think reducing the mail notice requirement from 500m to 120m is unjustified.  At 120m you are well within the range of casting a shadow on an uniformed property.  If this cost is so prohibitive, why not reduce it down to 350m as this will typically reduce the amount of mailings by 50% while still informing all those within close range.

    eteraa asked 3 months ago

    The proposed changes to the mail notice radius are based on the consultant’s recommendations. Following feedback from the public information session on the proposed setbacks and mail notice radius, County Staff will review the updates and make any necessary adjustments before submitting the final report to the Council for approval. County Staff greatly appreciate your input in this matter.

  • Share When can we anticipate enhancements to internet connectivity within the County of Brant? Numerous areas within the county, including the Six Nations region, are currently experiencing deficiencies in this regard. I am seeking clarification on whether the proposed project will bring about notable enhancements to internet connectivity in these areas. on Facebook Share When can we anticipate enhancements to internet connectivity within the County of Brant? Numerous areas within the county, including the Six Nations region, are currently experiencing deficiencies in this regard. I am seeking clarification on whether the proposed project will bring about notable enhancements to internet connectivity in these areas. on Twitter Share When can we anticipate enhancements to internet connectivity within the County of Brant? Numerous areas within the county, including the Six Nations region, are currently experiencing deficiencies in this regard. I am seeking clarification on whether the proposed project will bring about notable enhancements to internet connectivity in these areas. on Linkedin Email When can we anticipate enhancements to internet connectivity within the County of Brant? Numerous areas within the county, including the Six Nations region, are currently experiencing deficiencies in this regard. I am seeking clarification on whether the proposed project will bring about notable enhancements to internet connectivity in these areas. link

    When can we anticipate enhancements to internet connectivity within the County of Brant? Numerous areas within the county, including the Six Nations region, are currently experiencing deficiencies in this regard. I am seeking clarification on whether the proposed project will bring about notable enhancements to internet connectivity in these areas.

    ColinKorin asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback. The proposed changes to the County’s tower protocol aim to expedite the evaluation process for tower applications and eliminate some of the business case requirements once approved. However, the primary purpose of this protocol is not to influence the number of tower applications received by the County. The intent is to delegate authority to County Staff for issuing concurrence letters and to ensure the protocol accurately reflects new technology.

  • Share Hello, I don't have a question regarding the County of Brant and the new tower proposals however I do have a comment. The federal and provincial governments push matters to the edge, to the point where you can't even see them caring about humans, it's prevalent and now things are becoming just as prevalent at the municipal level in so many ways. If there is any cause for concern at all, which there is, then our elected officials at the Municipal levels are our last hope. It should be the people who make these decisions for our neighborhoods and village and the County should be backing us up. There are risks moving towers closer than the already allotted distance so why is moving them closer and doing it behind our backs even a question? Please do not allow this to happen. Along with subdivisions and everything else that I feel just keeps getting shoved down our throats regardless. Everything we're trying to preserve and keep great is in danger. on Facebook Share Hello, I don't have a question regarding the County of Brant and the new tower proposals however I do have a comment. The federal and provincial governments push matters to the edge, to the point where you can't even see them caring about humans, it's prevalent and now things are becoming just as prevalent at the municipal level in so many ways. If there is any cause for concern at all, which there is, then our elected officials at the Municipal levels are our last hope. It should be the people who make these decisions for our neighborhoods and village and the County should be backing us up. There are risks moving towers closer than the already allotted distance so why is moving them closer and doing it behind our backs even a question? Please do not allow this to happen. Along with subdivisions and everything else that I feel just keeps getting shoved down our throats regardless. Everything we're trying to preserve and keep great is in danger. on Twitter Share Hello, I don't have a question regarding the County of Brant and the new tower proposals however I do have a comment. The federal and provincial governments push matters to the edge, to the point where you can't even see them caring about humans, it's prevalent and now things are becoming just as prevalent at the municipal level in so many ways. If there is any cause for concern at all, which there is, then our elected officials at the Municipal levels are our last hope. It should be the people who make these decisions for our neighborhoods and village and the County should be backing us up. There are risks moving towers closer than the already allotted distance so why is moving them closer and doing it behind our backs even a question? Please do not allow this to happen. Along with subdivisions and everything else that I feel just keeps getting shoved down our throats regardless. Everything we're trying to preserve and keep great is in danger. on Linkedin Email Hello, I don't have a question regarding the County of Brant and the new tower proposals however I do have a comment. The federal and provincial governments push matters to the edge, to the point where you can't even see them caring about humans, it's prevalent and now things are becoming just as prevalent at the municipal level in so many ways. If there is any cause for concern at all, which there is, then our elected officials at the Municipal levels are our last hope. It should be the people who make these decisions for our neighborhoods and village and the County should be backing us up. There are risks moving towers closer than the already allotted distance so why is moving them closer and doing it behind our backs even a question? Please do not allow this to happen. Along with subdivisions and everything else that I feel just keeps getting shoved down our throats regardless. Everything we're trying to preserve and keep great is in danger. link

    Hello, I don't have a question regarding the County of Brant and the new tower proposals however I do have a comment. The federal and provincial governments push matters to the edge, to the point where you can't even see them caring about humans, it's prevalent and now things are becoming just as prevalent at the municipal level in so many ways. If there is any cause for concern at all, which there is, then our elected officials at the Municipal levels are our last hope. It should be the people who make these decisions for our neighborhoods and village and the County should be backing us up. There are risks moving towers closer than the already allotted distance so why is moving them closer and doing it behind our backs even a question? Please do not allow this to happen. Along with subdivisions and everything else that I feel just keeps getting shoved down our throats regardless. Everything we're trying to preserve and keep great is in danger.

    Papooske asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback. The County of Brant’s tower protocol, similar to those in nearby municipalities like Kitchener and Waterloo, generally discourages the development of new towers within 120 meters of residential neighborhoods and other sensitive land uses. Construction of any new tower closer than 120 meters to these areas may only be accepted if it is demonstrated that no other viable options exist. County staff will ensure that these policies are adhered to early in the tower application process. The proposed distance of approximately 1.5 times the tower’s height will more accurately reflect the height of the tower while not overriding the general discouragement of towers near sensitive land uses.

  • Share I came to the presentation last night with lots of questions. Unfortunately, the meeting was hijacked by an "electro-magnetic waves" delegation. I tried to hint at the hypocrisy of complaining about cell towers while using cell phones, to no avail apparently. I am curious about the size and appearance of the newer 5G cell towers and especially whether they can be deployed atop existing utility poles in older neighbourhoods and how they would be deployed in newer neighbourhoods with underground utilities. on Facebook Share I came to the presentation last night with lots of questions. Unfortunately, the meeting was hijacked by an "electro-magnetic waves" delegation. I tried to hint at the hypocrisy of complaining about cell towers while using cell phones, to no avail apparently. I am curious about the size and appearance of the newer 5G cell towers and especially whether they can be deployed atop existing utility poles in older neighbourhoods and how they would be deployed in newer neighbourhoods with underground utilities. on Twitter Share I came to the presentation last night with lots of questions. Unfortunately, the meeting was hijacked by an "electro-magnetic waves" delegation. I tried to hint at the hypocrisy of complaining about cell towers while using cell phones, to no avail apparently. I am curious about the size and appearance of the newer 5G cell towers and especially whether they can be deployed atop existing utility poles in older neighbourhoods and how they would be deployed in newer neighbourhoods with underground utilities. on Linkedin Email I came to the presentation last night with lots of questions. Unfortunately, the meeting was hijacked by an "electro-magnetic waves" delegation. I tried to hint at the hypocrisy of complaining about cell towers while using cell phones, to no avail apparently. I am curious about the size and appearance of the newer 5G cell towers and especially whether they can be deployed atop existing utility poles in older neighbourhoods and how they would be deployed in newer neighbourhoods with underground utilities. link

    I came to the presentation last night with lots of questions. Unfortunately, the meeting was hijacked by an "electro-magnetic waves" delegation. I tried to hint at the hypocrisy of complaining about cell towers while using cell phones, to no avail apparently. I am curious about the size and appearance of the newer 5G cell towers and especially whether they can be deployed atop existing utility poles in older neighbourhoods and how they would be deployed in newer neighbourhoods with underground utilities.

    RickOBrien asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback. Tower upgrades involve two key components:

    1. Transmission upgrade - enhancing backhaul to support higher speeds by either upgrading microwave or increasing fiber capacity.
    2. Equipment upgrade on the tower - replacing existing antennas and adding new radios. If there's still a network gap, we plan to install additional small cells or mini towers.


    For newer neighborhoods, we first consider rooftops, water towers, or existing infrastructure for equipment installation. If higher density is required, we look at attaching small cells to light poles.

    Below is an image of a small cell – LTE/5G:

    And here, an image of a mini tower (light pole replacement):

  • Share What are typical tower heights? How does the new setback requirement compare with surrounding municipalities? Why change this now? on Facebook Share What are typical tower heights? How does the new setback requirement compare with surrounding municipalities? Why change this now? on Twitter Share What are typical tower heights? How does the new setback requirement compare with surrounding municipalities? Why change this now? on Linkedin Email What are typical tower heights? How does the new setback requirement compare with surrounding municipalities? Why change this now? link

    What are typical tower heights? How does the new setback requirement compare with surrounding municipalities? Why change this now?

    mmn100 asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your questions. In the County of Brant, medium-sized towers between 30 and 60 metres are common for broader coverage in suburban and rural areas. 

    Surrounding municipalities, such as the City of Waterloo and Kitchener, generally implement setback policies to prevent tower facilities from being located within 120 meters of sensitive land uses. The County of Brant adopts a similar approach, aligning its protocol with the tower heights and setback guidelines suggested by neighboring municipalities. 

    The main objective of the proposed updates is to streamline the approval process. Since the County does not serve as the approval agency for tower applications, delegating authority to County Staff would enhance efficiency and save time. Also, updating the wording in the protocol will ensure it accurately reflects new technology.

Page last updated: 13 Aug 2024, 01:17 PM