CHMZ-FM, Tuff City Radio, Tofino
1193833 B.C. Ltd.
| Station | Year | Freq. | Power | Owner/Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHMZ-FM | 2020 | 90.1 | 170 | 1193833 B.C. Ltd. (Cameron Randall Dennison) |
| CHMZ-FM | 2012 | 90.1 | 170 | CHMZ-FM Radio Ltd. |
| CHMZ-FM | 2005 | 90.1 | 170 | West Island Radio Enterprises General Partnership |
2004
On September 20th the CRTC approved application by McBride Communications & Media Inc. and Umeek Human Resources Development Inc., partners in West Island Radio Enterprises General Partnership to operate a new English-language FM station in Tofino. Matthew McBride, a long-time British Columbia broadcaster and former General Manager of Central Island Broadcasting (later Island Radio Ltd.) in Nanaimo, had headed up the application. The station was to operate at 90.1 MHz with an effective radiated power of 170 watts with a proposed blend of Pop-Rock and Country music. All programming was to be locally produced and include regular weekday and Saturday newscasts. The station also was to feature local artists and a weekly four-hour program in a First Nations language.
2005
The station started extensive testing in August, with the official sign-on date of August 16th. It identified itself as “The Bear”, with call letters CHMZ-FM, when pronounced “Chimz”, a local aboriginal word for bear.
2011
On August 31, the CRTC administratively renewed the licence for CHMZ-FM until March 31, 2012.
2012
On March 20, the CRTC administratively renewed the licence for CHMZ-FM to August 31, 2012. On August 28, the licence was administratively renewed to December 31, 2012.
On December 20, the CRTC approved the application by CHMZ-FM Radio Ltd. for authority to acquire from McBride Communications & Media Inc. and Umeek Human Resources Development Inc., partners in West Island Radio Enterprises General Partnership, the assets of the English-language commercial radio station CHMZ-FM Tofino. McBride Communications was wholly-owned and controlled by Matthew G. McBride. Umeek HRD was equally owned by E. Richard Atleo, Marlene Atleo, Shawn Atleo and Nancy Atleo, and was controlled by these four shareholders. CHMZ Radio was wholly-owned and controlled by Mr. McBride.
2016
In August, CHMZ switched from Classic Rock-Surf Music (Long Beach Radio) to Hot AC-Variety (Tuff City Radio).
2018
In February, CHMZ was forced off the air when it had its antenna removed from the CBC tower. This was the result of CHMZ installing the antenna without CBC’s permission.
2020
On February 28, the CRTC approved applications by CHMZ-FM Radio Ltd. and CIMM-FM Radio Ltd. for authority to change their ownership and effective control through the transfer of all of their issued and outstanding shares to 1193833 B.C. Ltd., a company wholly owned and controlled by Cameron Randall Dennison. The stations were wholly owned and controlled by Matthew G. McBride.
The story continues elsewhere…
Effective September 1st 2019, we will only be adding new material to these station histories in exceptional circumstances. Our intent to chronicle the early days of these radio and television stations has been achieved, and many new sources and technologies, from the CRTC website to Wikipedia, and others, are now regularly providing new information in these areas.