SASKATOON - City council in Saskatoon has dialed up tighter restrictions on smaller cellphone towers built close to residential areas.

Councillors voted Monday to have companies consult with the public if towers less than 15 metres in height are to be constructed within 30 metres of homes.

There's currently no need for consultation if the structures are less than 15 metres tall.

The issue surfaced last fall when Coun. Pat Lorje (LOHR'-yay) said a tower popped up in a neighbourhood and nobody knew what it was.

Ron Styles, president and CEO of SaskTel, says there's a growing need for cellular coverage in the city, and it's important for the public to be informed about additional towers.

Styles says the Crown phone company plans to build 15 more towers in Saskatoon in the next six to seven months. (CJWW)

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