As wireless networks expand, so too does the need for more antennas.
The placement of satellite antennas are the subject of a series of public consultation meetings which began Monday and are scheduled to be held over the next few months.
The consultation meetings are on a municipal draft by-law to standardize limits on the installation of cellular antennas citywide.
"We want to know how best to implement it and regulate it in our communities," said executive committee vice-chairperson Alan De Sousa.
Some residents said they're concerned about the placement of antennas.
"We received a letter from Rogers telling us they had the intention of building a 24-metre-high antenna 50 metres from our home," said Therese Cote-Perron.
The proposed regulations include: companies would be required to avoid residential sectors; install antennas a safe distance from daycares, schools, parks and hospitals; and if installed anywhere near residential neighbourhoods, that they be put up away from sight lines of windows and balconies.
"I'm going to be proposing specifically looking at ways to bury these installations as much as possible," said Plateau-Mont Royal borough councillor Alex Norris.
Though companies are installing emitting antennas to maximize their individual coverage at a rapid pace, many people could be looking at the prospect of cell antennas in their back yards.
Montreal resident Allison Read said she had planned to build a community garden on her building, and now can't.
"A company rented the space to set up an antenna on the roof, weeks before we set up the garden," said Read.
Concerns about the safety of electromagnetic waves will be addressed, since some members of the public have a number of false impressions about EMF.
Experts will be on hand at future meetings to respond to the public's concerns and questions.
The next meeting takes place Thursday at Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, at 80 de Castelnau St. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.
