Antenna submission process

To support the evolution into 5G and beyond, wireless service providers (Rogers, TELUS, Shaw/Freedom Mobile etc.) need access to public and private infrastructure in order to deploy their wireless equipment. The City of Calgary, Wireless Service Providers (WSPs), members of Council and community associations have a long history of working collaboratively, through a concurrence process, to provide local perspective on the review of telecommunications antenna structures on both public and private infrastructure.

The City of Calgary may, under certain circumstances, license the installation of telecommunication antenna structures and devices (commonly known as cell towers) on City-owned property. For more information on City-owned assets, please visit the wireless infrastructure deployment page.

In 2011, Council adopted the telecommunication antenna structures siting protocols to guide collaboration and provide transparency into the concurrence process. 

On March 29, 2022, City Council updated the siting protocols to address and include small cell technology that enables 5G (the latest generation of mobile network).

This update introduces a review of small cell antennas under a new Type D submission process that will allows The City to provide:

• an appropriate level of review on small cells that aligns with federal guidance and,
• best practice guidelines for how they could be installed to lessen visual impacts in high pedestrian environments.

The report that initiated protocol changes introduces the following changes:

1. Update terminology
   • to reflect organizational changes and titles.
2. New provisions to address small cell antennas
   • Introduce a Type D submission process for small cell antenna installations
3. Changes to address clarity in the protocols
   • Provide best practice guidelines for small cell installations and visual examples of installation preferences. 
   • These examples cover both small cell installations and antennas in alignment with current review practices. 
   • Added the option for virtual public consultation

WSPs work with property owners on an agreement for the proposed location of their wireless infrastructure. They may choose to reach out to the ward councillor, community association, or adjacent property owners for feedback prior to submission. Public consultation with property owners within 300 m is required for towers greater than 15 m or an increase of more than 25% in height.  

• WSP applies for concurrence.
  • Circulation includes:
  • Type A submissions (cell phone towers) are circulated to the ward councillor and community association.
  • Type B submissions (most commonly antennas on top of buildings) are circulated to the ward councillor and community association.
  • Type C submissions (temporary installations, co-locates and additional equipment) are circulated to the ward councillor.

The City advises on the placement and impact of the wireless infrastructure, and reviews the submission with a focus on design, location and structural considerations. Public feedback may also be considered for Type A and Type B submissions. The City then provides a letter of concurrence or non-concurrence.  In cases where non-concurrence is issued in submission review the City cannot prevent WSPs from ultimately gaining permission from the federal government to install telecommunications.

If you have any questions about the submission process, please contact wid@calgary.ca.

• Telecommunication antenna structures siting protocols
• Wireless infrastructure deployment – submit inquiry
• The City’s role in wireless infrastructure deployment
• Wireless infrastructure FAQ
• Health Canada: radiofrequency energy and safety