In recent years, the growth of wireless
communications has caused a substantial increase in the number of antenna towers
being erected across Canada.
COPA has expressed concern about the growth to government officials.
The rules governing these towers fall under the Radiocommunication Act,
administered by Industry Canada.
Industry Minister Allan Rock announced Oct. 31, a national consultation review
of Industry Canada’s antenna tower policy and siting procedures to begin early
next year.
The review will provide an opportunity to identify a wide range of subjects for
possible improvements to existing antenna site approval procedures.
COPA President Kevin Psutka contacted Industry Canada regarding the planned
review of antenna policy:
Our Association, representing over 17,000 private aircraft owners and pilots,
including thousands of people who own or operate private aerodromes across
Canada, have a keen interest in this review.
The proliferation of antennas, many of them very close to aerodromes, is causing
air safety issues.
Despite the statement in the Industry Canada backgrounder that “Industry Canada
requires proponents to ensure their towers are first reviewed by Transport
Canada to ensure they pose no hazard to air navigation,” there has been at times
the involvement of Transport Canada in the process is either very late or in
some cases not at all.
We want to ensure that proper consultation occurs with aviators in the vicinity
of proposed antenna sites, including aerodrome owners and operators, so that
their safety needs are addressed.
COPA has been informed by the Ministry that we will be consulted as part of the
review process.