“This shouldn’t be in a suburban backyard,” said David. “Ideally, he will give it up.”

Earlier this month, a petition to stop the tower was submitted to the City of Mississauga.

Ward 2 Councillor Pat Mullin said the issue is causing concern for residents.

“(Amateur) radio towers being installed in an urban, residential setting is having a major impact on our well-planned residential neighbourhoods and residents are very upset about this invasion into their community,” said Mullin. “The local residents are strongly opposing this proposed (amateur) radio tower installation with multiple guy wires (and) antennas on the residential property, mainly due to visual impact to the surrounding properties. This type of installation should not be permitted in a residential area.”

The issue of towers in residential neighbourhoods has been a sticky situation for the City over the last few years. The municipality has very little control over the towers as they fall under the jurisdiction of Industry Canada.

The City has had to deal with upset residents over plans to install cellular towers in various Mississauga communities over the years.

In a letter to residents, the City said Industry Canada is directing Wilde to carry out a full consultation with the municipality and public in accordance with the City’s telecommunications protocol. The letter noted that if a mutually-acceptable solution can’t be reached through this process, Wilde can contact Industry Canada to declare an impasse and follow their dispute resolution process.

Wilde says it’s his understanding that Industry Canada has new consultation rules under development so he mused he might put off the tower for a year or so and wait to see what new regulations come down. He said he might also consider just going with the antennas he already has up and boost the signal but he said that could cause radio frequency interference with nearby homes.

“I do not feel it reasonable that I (could) be told what I can do on my own property for something that’s just going to sit silently in my backyard and rarely be noticeable to all but those whose backyards are in close proximity to mine,” said Wilde.

Julianna Eddy, who lives next door to Wilde, said she hopes to find a solution that will make everyone happy.

“We don’t want to prevent him from doing his hobby but we want him to use another type of antenna that’s less intrusive,” said Eddy.