CBLA-FM-2

The CBC filed four applications related to the proposed replacement of CBL-AM 740, with FM transmitters. The CBC proposed to establish three new FM transmitters which would utilize the FM frequencies 99.1 MHz in Toronto, 89.1 MHz in Paris, 100.3 MHz in Crystal Beach and to increase the effective radiated power of CBCO-FM Orillia. 

CBLA-FM-2 Paris/Kitchener opened on July 17. 

The CBC applied for a licence to operate an English-language FM radio programming undertaking in Paris. The proposed FM station would replace the CBC’s existing rebroadcasting transmitter CBLA-FM-2 Paris. The new station would continue to broadcast programming received from the CBC’s national Radio One network but would also broadcast a minimum of 12 hours and 30 minutes of local programming to Kitchener-Waterloo residents in each broadcast week. Local programming would consist of a mix of local, national and international news, up-to-date weather forecasts, road conditions, sports coverage, interviews and short documentaries. The new FM station would operate under the same technical parameters as currently authorized for CBLA-FM-2. This transmitter would be removed from the licence of CBLA-FM Toronto. 

Louis Saint-Cyr was the new Regional Operations Manager at CBC Windsor, responsible for stations at London and Kitchener-Waterloo. The 28-year CBC vet had been with CBC Toronto where he was Supervisor for Post Production at CBC Media Post Production Services. He began in Windsor on September 24.

On March 11, some local programming was added to the 89.1 CBLA-FM-2 schedule. For the majority of the day, the station still rebroadcast CBLA 99.1 Toronto. K-W area listeners would now wake up with local morning show hosted by Craig Norris. A local studio was set up at 117 King Street West in downtown Kitchener. Listeners would hear their own local radio morning show matched by an interactive digital presence offering local news, weather, community information, commentary, local guest columnists, traffic and more. Susan Marjetti, managing director, CBC Toronto and Ontario region said, “We made a commitment in our 2015 strategic plan to include the Waterloo Region and we’re proud of what our small but committed team will be able to provide by way of coverage on the ground.” Other members of the local team: Andrea Bellemare, host of the station’s digital service, executive producer Pras Rajagopalan, associate producer Amanda Grant, associate producer/technician, Jackie Sharkey and reporter Colin Butler. Local reporters Mike McCulloch, formerly of 570 News and Matthew Kang of CTV Kitchener also joined the team. 

On April 25, the CRTC approved the CBC’s application to operate an English-language FM radio station in Paris. The Commission also approved the CBC’s application to amend the broadcasting licence for CBLA-FM Toronto by deleting the transmitter CBLA-FM-2 Paris.

The proposed FM station would replace the CBC transmitter CBLA-FM-2 Paris and would operate under the existing technical parameters – 89.1 MHz (channel 206B) with an average effective radiated power (ERP) of 5,000 watts (maximum ERP of 13,500 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 220.5 metres). The CBC indicated that the station would continue to broadcast programming from its Radio One network, but would also broadcast at least 12 hours and 30 minutes of local programming directed to Kitchener-Waterloo residents in each broadcast week. Local programming would consist of a mix of local, national and international news, up-to-date weather forecasts, road conditions, sports coverage, interviews and short documentaries. The licence would expire August 31, 2019.

Morning Edition returned to CBLA-FM-2 on April 26 after recieving CRTC approval the previous day. CBC had filed the application for the Waterloo Region service with the CRTC in June of 2012, submitted a follow up clarification in September of 2012 and filed a reply to interventions in December of 2012, but approval had not yet been received. The show had launched in March. The CBC had taken the Waterloo Region local morning show off the air temporarily on April 23. The program and other services were available online and through mobile devices during the temporary shutdown.