City blocks expanded cellphone tower

City officials have said no to a plan to double the height of a cellphone tower in northwest Calgary.

Wind Mobile wanted to expand its tower at on the corner of Chelsea Street and 14th Street northwest to improve service.

But some residents living in Rosemont and Cambrian Heights said increasing the 15-metre tower to 35 metres would make it too intrusive.

The city agreed, moving to oppose the plan on Thursday.

Nick Makale of city building approvals says it was an easy decision to oppose the proposal.

"Its too out in your face on the main road. We felt the design could have been done better," said Nick Makale, a senior planner with the city.

Wayne Frisch, who has been fighting another controversial tower proposal in southwest Calgary, applauded the decision.

"I have to commend the city for in this particular instance that they've actually stepped up and said you know wed like to see you do better. They want to see more happen . And I think the council in this particular instance was listening to the community of Rosemont and came to the right conclusion," he said.

The city and Wind Mobile are expected to meet soon to come up with other possible locations for the new cell tower.