Cell Tower Protocol

Cellular Connectivity Update: October 2024

Clarington has taken another step toward improving local cellular connectivity. On October 28, Council approved a report directing staff to partner with Shared Tower to build cellular infrastructure on municipally owned properties.

Six locations have been identified:

South Courtice Arena on Prestonvale Road

Bowmanville Fire Station on Highway 2

Municipally-owned land in Bowmanville’s Northglen neighbourhood

Orono Fire Station on Main Street

Solina Community Hall on Concession Road 6

Tyrone Community Centre on Concession Road 7

The proposal came as a result of a formal call to industry earlier this year, to partner with the Municipality to increase the amount of cellular infrastructure in the community. It is an innovative step forward in addressing known cell service gaps, with Clarington being one of the first municipalities in Canada to take this approach due to lack of private sector investment.

Learn more at www.clarington.net

Read Report CAO-006-24 Clarington Cellular Service Enhancement Project (PDF)

Watch online

Cell Tower Protocol in Clarington

Clarington is taking the lead in improving local cellular service through its Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems Protocol (Cell Tower Protocol).

This protocol outlines site selection and design guidelines for providers to install cell towers. It emphasizes integration with existing and planned land use, and minimizing visual impacts of towers. It also provides a clear and streamlined process for installing antenna systems to enable the development of high-quality wireless telecommunications coverage across Clarington.

Learn more about cell towers in your community.

Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems Protocol (Cell Tower Protocol)

In December 2023, Clarington Council adopted a Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems Protocol.

This protocol:

Outlines The Municipality of Clarington’s site selection and design guidelines for cell towers and other antenna installations.
Encourages designs that integrate with existing and planned surrounding land use and public realm and minimize visual impacts.
Outlines a municipal consultation process for the installation and modification of cell towers and other antenna installations covered by this protocol for telecommunications facilities.
Provides a straight-forward, objective process for the installation of antenna systems.
Enables the development of a high-calibre wireless telecommunications service in Clarington.

How to apply

Complete an application form under the Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems Protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Municipality’s role in the telecommunications towers process?

Telecommunication towers and antenna systems are regulated exclusively by Federal Legislation under the Federal Radiocommunication Act administered by the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Provincial legislation, such as the Planning Act and zoning by-laws, does not apply to these telecommunication facilities.

Notwithstanding the federal government’s exclusive jurisdiction, ISED’s Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems Client Procedures require cell tower applicants to address comments and concerns through the municipal public consultation process, as outlined in the Municipality of Clarington’s Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems Protocol (Cell Tower Protocol).

Applications to install radio communication and broadcasting antenna systems are subject to a public consultation process, and approval by the Deputy CAO of Planning and Infrastructure (or designate).

In the case of a dispute between the applicant and the Municipality of Clarington, a final decision may be made by ISED.

Who does the protocol apply to?

The protocol applies to anyone who is planning to install or modify an antenna system, regardless of the type of installation.

This includes telecommunication carriers, businesses, governments, Crown agencies, the public, and those who install towers or antenna systems on behalf of others for leasing purposes (third-party tower owners).

What types of telecommunication projects are excluded from consultation with the Municipality and the public?

The following telecommunications tower projects are excluded from consultation:

New antenna systems: where the height is less than 15 metres above ground level. This exclusion does not apply to antenna systems to be used by broadcasting undertakings, telecommunications carriers or third-party tower owners.
Existing towers: modifications may be made, or the tower may be replaced, to facilitate sharing or the addition of antennas, provided that the total height increase is no greater than 25 per cent of the height of the initial antenna system installation. If the 25 per cent increases the height to be above 15 metres, public notice will be required. No increase in height may occur within one year of completion of the initial construction.
Non-tower structures: antennas on buildings, water towers, lamp posts, etc. may be installed provided that the height of the structure is not increased by more than 25 per cent.
Temporary antenna systems: used for special events or emergency operations and must be removed three months after the start of the emergency or special event.
Existing antenna systems: no consultation is required prior to performing maintenance on an existing antenna system

How can members of the public get involved?

Where an Antenna System Review Process is required, the proponent must carry out public consultation, notifying the public through notices, signs and public information sessions.

This gives people an opportunity to ask questions, provide comments and share their concerns. The applicant is required to provide responses to the public and submit a summary of the results of the public consultation.

Can I appeal the proposed installation of an antenna system to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT), formerly the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB)?

Antenna systems are federally regulated and licensed, therefore there is no appeal procedure to LPAT.

Are there any safety guidelines to protect public health?

Health Canada has radiofrequency exposure guidelines. ISED requires operators to comply with Safety Code 6 at all times, including the combined effects of nearby installation.

The Municipality of Clarington does not assess any submission for a Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna system with respect to health and radiofrequency exposure issues or other non-placement or non-design issues.

Are environmental concerns taken into consideration?

All installations are required to comply with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Municipality of Clarington discourages the use of lands identified as environmentally sensitive. The Municipality may require submission of additional studies to evaluate the suitability of proposals on environmentally sensitive lands.

Contact

Do you have more questions about the Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna System Protocol? All applications are processed through the Planning and Infrastructure Department. You may contact us at planning@clarington.net or 905-623-3379 ext. 2660.