Review telecom tower site

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to review the proposed telecommunications tower at 32935 Cameron Ave, Mission, and help find alternative sites that better match community and local land‑use interests. The government responds that ISED's consultative policy applies, RF exposure limits follow Health Canada's Safety Code 6, and ISED is updating antenna‑siting procedures.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WHEREAS The proposed telecommunications tower at 32935 Cameron Avenue in Mission is located within a residential and agricultural area, in close proximity to homes and a youth facility; A 2022 published review reported that a majority of individuals living near cellular towers described adverse effects, including headaches, sleep disturbances, and other health-related symptoms; The siting of radiocommunication infrastructure falls under federal jurisdiction, including oversight by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, which requires meaningful public consultation and consideration of local impacts; Residents have expressed concerns regarding community well-being, land use compatibility, and the suitability of this location given the concentration of children, families, and agricultural activity; THEREFORE We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to review this proposed location and work with proponents and relevant authorities to identify alternative sites that better reflect community interests and appropriate land use.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Signed by The Honourable Mélanie Joly The Government of Canada recognizes the need for collaborative and consultative policy with respect to the siting of antenna-supporting structures within communities. In this regard, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)’s current policy CPC-2-0-03 – Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems establishes the consultative procedures to be followed by all radiocommunication operators, including providers of cell phone services, broadcasters and public utilities in the siting of these structures. Proponents are required to notify local residents and consult with municipalities before an antenna structure is installed. This consultative process allows for proponents to address relevant questions from the public, and for municipalities to make informed decisions regarding providing their concurrence for proposed antenna structures. ISED does not become involved in the process unless explicitly requested by the municipality or the proponent. Consistent with the Government’s commitment in Budget 2025, Canada’s approach to antenna siting is evolving in response to advancements in wireless technologies and growing connectivity needs. As part of this effort, ISED is reviewing and modernizing the tower siting process and considering procedural updates to support the efficient deployment of wireless infrastructure. A public consultation was launched to this effect in May 2026, with the objective to streamline the process, while ensuring Canadians have access to fast and reliable connectivity where they live, work and travel. With respect to the concerns expressed regarding the potential health hazards from the installation of an antenna-supporting structure, ISED’s regulatory framework provides safeguards for Canadians through the adoption of Health Canada’s recommended Safety Code 6 (SC6) limits for human exposure to RF fields, which are set well below the levels of all known potential adverse health effects and provide protection for all age groups, including children. The limits within SC6 were developed using a science-based approach consistent with jurisdictions in other parts of the world, including the United States, European Union, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.To protect the public, these limits are set far below the threshold (at least 50-fold safety margin) for all known established adverse health effects and provide protection for all age groups, including children, on a continuous basis (24 hours a day, seven days a week). This means that if anyone were exposed to RF energy from multiple sources within the SC6 limits for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, there would be no adverse health effects. ISED’s focus is on ensuring that wireless devices and antenna installations comply with these limits through the establishment of technical standards and conditions of licence. Compliance is an ongoing obligation. As such, ISED maintains a market surveillance program and routinely audits antenna installations and devices to verify compliance with SC6. At any time ISED may request that tower proponents demonstrate compliance. Should ISED become aware of an installation where the exposure levels exceed SC6 limits, the Department will take immediate action to protect the general public. Additional information can be found on ISED’s Radiofrequency Energy and Safety website.