Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
DGSO-002-21 March 2021 Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Consultation on Amending CPC-2-0-03 — Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems Note (effective April 14, 2021): The deadline provided in paragraph 22 for submitting comments has been extended to May 17, 2021. Aussi disponible en français — DGSO-002-21 Contents 1. Intent ........................................................................................................................1 2. Mandate....................................................................................................................1 3. Legislation ................................................................................................................1 4. Policy objectives .......................................................................................................1 5. Background ..............................................................................................................2 6. Proposed amendments to CPC-2-0-03........................................................................3 6.1 Proposed implementation of official languages requirements for the public consultation process ..................................................................................................3 6.2 Other amendments...............................................................................................5 7. Next steps .................................................................................................................5 8. Submitting comments................................................................................................5 9. Obtaining copies .......................................................................................................6 Annex A: List of communities with an official linguistic minority population of 5% or higher ...........................................................................................................................7 ii Consultation on Amending CPC-2-0-03 — Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems DGSO-002-21 1. Intent 1. Through the release of this document, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), on behalf of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (the Minister), is hereby initiating a consultation on proposed amendments to Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-0-03, Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems. 2. Mandate 2. The Minister, through the Department of Industry Act, the Radiocommunication Act and the Radiocommunication Regulations, with due regard to the objectives of the Telecommunications Act, is responsible for spectrum management in Canada. As such, the Minister is responsible for developing national goals and policies for spectrum utilization and for ensuring effective management of the radio frequency spectrum resource. 3. Legislation 3. The Minister is provided the general powers for spectrum management in Canada, pursuant to section 5 of the Radiocommunication Act and sections 4 and 5 of the Department of Industry Act. Paragraph 5(1)(f) of the Radiocommunication Act provides the Minister with the authority to “approve each site on which radio apparatus, including antenna systems, may be located, and approve the erection of all masts, towers and other antenna-supporting structures.” 4. In exercising his powers under the Radiocommunication Act, the Minister may take into account all matters that the Minister considers relevant for ensuring the orderly establishment or modification of radio stations and the orderly development and efficient operation of radiocommunication in Canada. As such, the Minister considers the responsibilities that ISED and regulated entities may have under federal legislation such as the Official Languages Act and the Impact Assessment Act. 4. Policy objectives 5. Pursuant to CPC-2-0-03, anyone (also referred to herein as “the proponent(s)”) planning to install or modify an antenna system is required to notify and consult with the applicable land-use authorities to determine local consultation requirements, and to consult with the public to address reasonable and relevant concerns relating to antenna system siting and/or design. Overall, ISED’s objective is to facilitate an open, transparent process that promotes the continued safe expansion of wireless technologies and services. 6. This consultation seeks comments on proposed revisions to CPC-2-0-03 to ensure that Canadians can participate in these processes in the official language of their choice. ISED is also proposing other updates based on new legislative, regulatory and policy developments. 1 Consultation on Amending CPC-2-0-03 — Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems DGSO-002-21 5. Background 7. The procedures for the siting of antenna systems, outlined in Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-0-03, issue 5, Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems, were last updated in 2014. The procedures apply to everyone seeking to install or modify an antenna system. 8. Since 2008, the growing demand for access to mobile broadband services has led to a growing number of new antenna systems being installed. The installation of antenna systems and supporting structures is also integral to wireless network communication systems and provides the radio coverage that Canadians and Canada’s emergency services need. However, the demand for wireless service should be balanced with the needs of Canadians and their communities when antenna siting decisions are being made. To obtain that balance, it is important to include nearby residential neighbourhoods and communities in the process by facilitating public consultations. This provides an opportunity for the proponents to engage with the local public and address reasonable and relevant concerns relating to antenna system siting and/or design. 9. In accordance with the terms of their relevant authorizations under the Radiocommunication Act, proponents must follow the processes in CPC-2-0-03 when installing or modifying an antenna system. The installation of an antenna system or the operation of a currently existing antenna system that is not in accordance with these processes may result in its alteration or removal and other sanctions against the operator in accordance with the Radiocommunication Act. One of the important requirements is that antenna systems be deployed in a manner that considers the local surroundings and communities that are most affected. Moreover, antenna installations may be subject to other important obligations, including compliance with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 guideline for the protection of the general public; compliance with radio frequency immunity criteria; notification of nearby broadcasting stations; environmental considerations; and Transport Canada/NAV CANADA aeronautical safety responsibilities. 10. Currently, when planning their communications with the public, proponents are encouraged to consult with the relevant local land-use authority. In bilingual areas, the land-use authority often has an established local process that incorporates both official languages (and that proponents must follow) or the land-use authority can advise proponents on the best ways to reach the local public where an ISED default public consultation process is undertaken. Therefore, many notifications are in both official languages. However, there are currently no explicit official languages requirements for public consultations detailed in CPC-2-0-03. 11. Given the upcoming releases of spectrum expected in the next few years (as outlined in the Spectrum Outlook 2018 to 2022) and the Government of Canada’s commitments to increase broadband deployment (as detailed in High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy), ISED is of the view that it is an appropriate time to address official languages requirements in CPC-2-0-03. The implementation of official languages 2 Consultation on Amending CPC-2-0-03 — Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems DGSO-002-21 requirements for public consultation processes would improve the accessibility of the consultation process for Canadians across the country, thus facilitating better public engagement. See section 6.1 for details. 12. ISED is also taking this opportunity to make other minor amendments to CPC-2-0-03, including updating the name of the Department to ISED throughout, and updating references relating to the environmental considerations and aeronautical safety responsibilities outlined in section 7. The proposed amendments are intended to ensure that the references and contact information in CPC-2-0-03 are correct and up-to-date. See section 6.2 for details. 6. Proposed amendments to CPC-2-0-03 13. The following are the proposed amendments to the existing CPC-2-0-03. 6.1 Proposed implementation of official languages requirements for the public consultation process 14. ISED is proposing the following two options for official languages requirements for public consultations. 15. Option 1 The official languages requirements would apply across Canada and specify: a. that all initial communications with the public must be made in both official languages; b. that if a member of the public provides written or verbal comments, the proponent must respond in the official language in which the comments were made. The proposed wording that would be added to the CPC is as follows: Whether the proponent follows the land-use authority’s consultation process or ISED’s default public consultation process, initial communications