Canada’s first urban Digital Columns integrated with near-field technology (NFC) are on the rise in Montreal as part of Astral Out-of-Home’s endeavor to relay real-time content to consumers like campaigns or specific events.

Each Digital Column will be furnished with 72-inch HD LCD screens that will feature RSS feeds, quick response codes (QR), and NFC that will allow advertisers to convey immediate content and simultaneous events.

There will be total of 30 columns to be installed gradually in the heart of Montreal by mid-August, making the first Canadian city to build such technology, similar to the ones seen in London and San Francisco.

“The roll out of this highly innovative network once again demonstrates the creative and avant-garde nature of Astral Out-of-Home’s team and offer,” said Luc Sabbatini, president of Astral Out-of-Home, in the announcement.

The column will also display a map of the downtown in opposite face. It will be mounted along Montreal’s major commercial streets and busy areas, which intends to reach about 1 million customers per day. Each column will allow advertisers to display their ads 24 hours a day in rotation.

“We are particularly proud that the first Digital Column network in Canada is launched in Montréal, enabling our advertisers to target a highly active and mobile population segment where they work, shop and play,” she added.

Astral Out-of-Home is part of the Canadian media firm Astral Media, Inc., one of the leading digital signage solutions companies in Canada. It aims to decrease its carbon footprint through reducing printing and installation costs.