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Telecommunication Towers (SPC)

The federal government has exclusive jurisdiction of telecommunication facilities. The Radiocommunication Act appoints Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED) Canada (formerly known as Industry Canada) as the approval authority for the location and operation of telecommunication facilities in Canada.

ISED Canada recognizes the importance of municipal consultation as part of the approval process and as such, encourages proponents to consult with the local municipality to obtain their input and comments. In addition, ISED Canada encourages local municipalities to establish a policy framework outlining their preferences with respect to the siting and design of telecommunication facilities, as well as, public consultation requirements.

For more information, refer to the City’s Policy for Establishing Telecommunication Facilities.

 

Pre-Application Consultation Meeting

A Pre-Application Consultation Meeting is required prior to the submission of an application. At the Pre-Application Consultation Meeting, Staff will scope the issues associated with a specific development proposal, including a proposed land use change, and identify the submission requirements for a complete application. Following the meeting, Staff will issue a Checklist to the applicant that identifies the submission requirements.

Application Submission

The applicant submits the application via ePLAN with all the plans and documents identified in the Checklist.

After receiving an application, a Development Technician will conduct a preliminary ‘Prescreen Review’ task to ensure that the required plans and documents have been successfully uploaded. The Development Technician will also ensure all submitted plans and documents meet the City’s ePLAN Submission Standards and the application fees have been determined, confirmed, and paid.

Note: The submission does not become an application with the benefit of a review timeline until it passes the City’s ‘Prescreen Review’ process and the application fees are paid.

For more information on how to submit an application, please refer to the following documents:

Application Circulation

Once the application has passed the City's prescreen review, the Development Technician will prepare the circulation for the assigned Planner, which will be forwarded to internal and external agencies for review.

Staff Review and Comments

Staff will work with the applicant to resolve issues identified during the review. If applicable, the applicant will revise and resubmit plans and documents for additional review.

Staff determines if Public Consultation is required

Staff will determine if public consultation will be required based on the criteria outlined in the City’s Policy for Establishing Telecommunication Facilities.

Staff determines if the application must go to Development Services Committee (DSC) for approval - DSC Endorsement

If Staff determines that public consultation is required, a recommendation report will be prepared based on the outcome of the application review and public consultation process and forwarded to DSC. DSC will review and render a decision.

If Staff determines that the application does not require public consultation, then the decision on the application will be delegated to Staff.

Letter of Concurrence or Non-Concurrence

Following Staff Review and/or the DSC meeting, the City will issue a letter of concurrence or non-concurrence for ISED Canada’s consideration.

Approval

All final decisions about the location and construction of a tower are made by ISED Canada. The City fully recognizes its role as a commenting agency as part of the approval process for telecommunications facilities.