Many residents of a south-side neighbourhood plan to speak out at a meeting with the city, and a wireless company trying to erect a cell phone tower in their community.
Rogers Wireless has applied for federal approval to place a 25 metre cell phone tower in the middle of Hazeldean.
However, many residents of the neighbourhood don't want the massive tower in the residential area – and they plan on attending a meeting set up to inform residents, to give the company a piece of their minds.
"It's ugly, and it's taking up parking," Wendy Ferguson said. "I won't be able to park in front of my house."
"It is right near a bike path, a walking trail [and] the senior centre," Max Merritt, who is fighting the tower, said. "The height is a major issue; it will tower over the trees."
Hundreds of residents have signed a petition – asking the company to move the proposed location to a nearby industrial area.
The complaints have been heard, the city councillor for the area was in attendance at the information meeting.
"I'm hearing that they don't want a cell phone tower in their backyard," Councillor Kerry Diotte said. "I can't blame them."
Rogers said it had applied to build the tower to fill gaps in wireless coverage in the area.
Some residents who live near where the tower would be built said it should be built.
"I think it's needed," Hazeldean resident Yvonne Cameron said. "I can't get any reception on my cell phone."
Representatives of Rogers declined an interview with CTV News, but provided a statement which said the tower is needed in the area, and the company is holding the information session to address resident concerns.
The company is also looking at installing about 20 new cellphone towers in Edmonton, to keep up with demand for smart phone service.
With files from Sean Amato
