Radiocommunications Facilities

The town does not have a role in approving radiocommunications facility installations like radio towers, rooftop antenna etc. 

Industry Canada has exclusive authority and responsibility for managing the use of the radio frequency spectrum, including approving radiocommunication facility installations. 

Industry Canada is a department of the federal government of Canada. They only provide the town with the opportunity to define the local consultation process and provide recommendations on facility design and siting on a property.

If you have any comments or concerns please contact your local Member of Parliament Anita Anand at anita.anand@parl.gc.ca or Pam Damoff at pam.damoff@parl.gc.ca.

Town protocol

Council approved an Interim Radiocommunications Facilities Protocol in October 2011, which was upheld and amended in 2012 and 2015.

Key elements of the protocol include:

• A number of setbacks and prohibitions where the town will not provide comment on new radiocommunications facility proposals. This includes:
  • On or within 200 metres from sensitive land uses (which includes residential uses, schools, daycares, and health care facilities)
  • On or within 20 metres of a designated heritage building, structure, or landmark; on designated environmental lands
  • Within 120 metres of the Lake Ontario shoreline
• Detailed public consultation requirements, including a requirement for all proponents to advise the town of new installations, notice signs, a written consultation process including all properties within the greater of 120 metres or three times the height of the tower, and a public open house
• Detailed urban design guidelines for radiocommunications facilities
• A power density calculation, to be submitted as part of a complete application; and
• A requirement for endorsement from the applicable local Member of Parliament (MP) prior to the town considering an application for Municipal Letter of Comment on a number of locations throughout Oakville.

Industry Canada approval process

Industry Canada approves all new radiocommunications facilities. 

Notwithstanding any policy, position, or protocol from the town, regulatory authority over the radio and spectrum licence approval processes rests with Industry Canada under the Federal Radiocommunication Act (R.S.C. 1985, c.R-2).

Applicants are expected to work through Industry Canada and follow their CPC-2-0-03 protocol.