Communication Tower and Antenna Protocol

Telecommunications is a federal government responsibility. The approval of the location of new telecommunication towers is the responsibility of Industry Canada. 
Under some circumstances, when new telecommunications towers are proposed, Industry Canada can request municipalities to comment on the proposal to Industry Canada.

The purpose of this protocol is to outline the local land-use consultation process and guidelines to be followed in evaluating communication tower and communication antenna siting proposals within the County of Brant for the purposes of issuing a letter stating concurrence on behalf of the local land-use authority.

The objectives of this protocol are:

1. Establish a local consultation framework that provides a clear process for collaboration among the County of Brant, the public, and proponents to review non-exempt communication tower and antenna proposals, ensuring local land-use authority consultation is completed and a letter stating concurrence or non-concurrence is issued to ISED Canada
2. Define evaluation criteria by setting clear guidelines to:
   1. Prioritize existing and shared infrastructure to minimize new tower sites.
   2. Avoid siting near sensitive land uses.
   3. Encourage and support development in preferred locations identified by this protocol.
3. Facilitate meaningful consultation by ensuring opportunities for public input, Indigenous Community engagement with Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and coordination with applicable public agencies within ISED’s 120-day timeline.
4. Address land-use and site design concerns and enable early identification and resolution of land use, siting, or design issues by ISED Canada, the communications industry and the County of Brant.
5. Streamline the application review to deliver an efficient application and review process that aligns with County land-use priorities, fosters community involvement, and delivers tangible benefits.

View the complete protocol: 
Communication Tower and Communication Antenna Preferred Location Protocol (PDF)