CKYY-FM

On June 26, the CRTC approved an application by R.B. Communications Ltd. for a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language commercial FM radio station in Welland. The proposed station would operate at 89.1 MHz (channel 206A) with an average effective radiated power of 564 watts (maximum ERP of 3,100 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 130.5 metres). The station would offer a Country music format targeting adults 45 years of age and older, particularly women. Of the 126 hours of programming to be broadcast each broadcast week, 120 hours would be local programming. Spoken word programming would focus on local content, including news, weather, sports, local interviews, and event coverage. Two hours and six minutes of spoken word programming per broadcast week would be devoted to pure news. RBC also held the licence for the English-language radio station CIXL-FM Welland, which used to operate under a Country music format, but now operated under a Classic Rock format. According to the applicant, having only one FM radio station in the market had made it increasingly difficult to compete with the multiple station owners serving the neighbouring communities. As the sole commercial radio operator dedicated to serving Welland, RBC stated that the proposed station would improve service for local audiences by offering them a programming format not currently available. It further stated that operating a second station would help it better face competition and solidify its long-term viability.

Late in the year, CKYY Country 89 began on-air testing.

The new COUNTRY 89! launched February 20. The first song played was Sun Daze by Florida Georgia Line.

On August 23, the CRTC approved the application by R.B. Communications Ltd. to change the authorized contours of CKYY-FM by increasing its average effective radiated power from 564 to 763 watts (maximum ERP from 3,100 to 4,250 watts) and by changing the transmitter class from A to B1.