Ham radio operators are among the interested parties weighing in with Canada's radio regulations agency, which is seeking comment until the 16th of July on proposed changes to policies covering antennas and towers. Radio Amateurs of Canada and the Federation of Radio Amateur Clubs of Quebec have responded in support of many of the changes and are pressing the agency known as Innovation, Science and Development Canada to modify an existing rule concerning maximum antenna and tower height. Current law requires consultation with local authorities when antenna and tower heights are above 15-meters, or roughly 48 feet. The two amateur radio groups have asked that the height threshold be raised to 20 meters, or roughly 65 feet, to qualify for the exemption from consultation.

The joint RAC/RAQI position of support on the changes was explained recently by Dave Goodwin, VE3KG, the RAC's regulatory affairs officer, in a YouTube interview with Stuart Crawford VE9CF. Dave told Stuart that the added height would [quote] "give us that much more latitude" [endquote] in putting up antenna structures. He said that a new 20-meter threshold would cover almost all amateurs.

In Canada, federal policy has final say on antennas, towers and related structures but under current policy, local land-use authorities and neighbors must still be informed. The amateur groups also asked for a decrease in the size of the zone within which hams must respond to neighbors’ concerns.

Dave told Stuart that although ISED [Eye Said] is proposing these and many procedural changes primarily to make things easier for commercial wireless services, the regulations and any benefits would apply to radio amateurs as well. The RAC has been encouraging amateurs in Canada to submit their feedback to the agency.