Data & Maps
Telecommunications Towers in Hamilton
Telecommunications infrastructure, such as cell towers, often raises questions, especially when new installations are proposed. This page outlines who regulates these towers, the role of the City of Hamilton in the process, and where residents can find reliable information or submit feedback.
In Canada, cell towers are regulated by the federal government, specifically Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The City of Hamilton does not approve or deny tower proposals, but it does participate in the consultation process for certain types of installations.
For general information about tower safety, siting, and compliance, visit ISED’s Facts About Towers.
Regulatory Framework
Federal Oversight: Cell towers are regulated by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which sets national rules for siting, consultation, and licensing. These are outlined in CPC-2-0-03: Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems. Final decisions on tower installations are made by ISED.
Health & Safety: Radiofrequency (RF) exposure limits, including those for 5G, are set by Health Canada under Safety Code 6. Exposures at or below these limits are considered safe.
Municipal Role: The City provides land use consultation comments on macro towers, guided by the Telecommunication Tower and Antenna Protocol, which outlines notice methods, comment timelines, and local preferences for location, design, and co-location, but it is ultimately ISED that makes decisions on installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The City provides land use comments only, ISED makes the final decision. The City does not have the authority to stop the construction of an antenna/tower system. ISED Canada has the sole responsibility to approve new telecommunications facilities. The Planning Act, Zoning By-laws and other related planning legislation do not apply to these antenna/tower systems.
No, a building permit is not required. Antenna systems are under Federal jurisdiction and subject to licensing by ISED. However, in certain instances, a building permit may be required for any accessory buildings associated with an antenna system. For similar reasons, a zoning by-law amendment would not be needed to allow the location of an installation on any site within the city.
The appeal process to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT)/ Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) does not apply as telecommunication/antenna systems are federally regulated and licensed.
Yes, ISED requires antenna tower proponents to consult regarding local land use requirements. Installation and modification of antenna systems must also comply with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, but the final decision on tower placement lies with ISED.
If consultation is required under federal rules, the proponent provides notice (mail, on‑site signage, or a City posting) with how and when to send comments. Some minor proposals are excluded from formal consultation by federal criteria.
Residents can submit their written comments directly to the applicant in accordance with the notice. Concerns can also be directed to the local Member of Parliament (MP), as this is a federally regulated process.
ISED Canada excludes a number of telecommunications facility installations from any form of public consultation. To inquire about a particular installation, contact ISED Canada’s area office listed in the “who should I contact with questions or concerns?” section.
Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 sets conservative RF limits. Based on current evidence, exposures at or below those limits, including from 5G, are considered safe.
Learn more from Health Canada.
See ISED’s Spectrum Licences Site Data – Interactive Map to explore existing sites.
Note: This map is authoritative but not real-time. Recent changes may take time to appear.
The process for all antenna systems in Canada is outlined in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-0-03 entitled Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems.
More information is available on Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
Siting, licensing, or compliance (towers): ISED Spectrum Management, Southwestern Ontario District Office
4475 North Service Road, Suite 100, Burlington ON L7L 4X7
Tel: 1 855 465 6307
Fax: 905 639 6551
Email: [email protected]
(Visits are by appointment only.)
Health questions: Health Canada General Inquiries
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 613 957 2991
Toll free: 1 866 225 0709
Mail: Health Canada, Address Locator 1801B, Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
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