October 14, 1998
To:Urban Environment and Development Committee
From:Councillor John Adams
Re:"Prudent Avoidance" Policy on Siting Cellular Telephone Transmission Towers
Recommendation:
That the Chief Planner in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health be directed to review and report on a policy for
the appropriate siting of wireless (cellular) telephone transmission towers and that this policy be based on the idea of
"prudent avoidance".
Background:
Canada has more than 5,000 of these towers and there is public concern about the aesthetics of the growing number of
these transmission antennas and also about possible long-term health effects.
The federal government's Health Department has asked the Royal Society of Canada to appoint an expert panel to study
potential health risks associated with radio-frequency fields. This panel's report is to be completed by March, 1999.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently began a five-year international investigation of the health effects of
cellular phone transmissions. World Health Organization is also studying the health effects of emissions from cellular
handsets.
The federal Government's Industry Department regulates the cellular industry and the Health Department sets emission
standards for safety (specifically Safety Code 6).
Cellular companies are not required by federal rules to consult neighbours before erecting transmitters. The City of
Calgary has recently adopted a formal policy for siting cellular transmission towers, including a requirement for public
consultation.
I believe the City of Toronto should adopt a policy of "prudent avoidance" and have a rule that wireless telephone
transmission towers should be located outside residential neighbourhoods and at least 200 metres from schools and day
care centres.
In developing such a policy and rule, City officials should consult with the Toronto school boards, day care
representatives, resident and ratepayer organizations and the industry group known as the Canadian Wireless
Telecommunications Association.
John Adams, Councillor
Midtown - Ward 23
JA:as
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