CILS-FM

In March Canadian Heritage accepted a request to start the first implementation step (market study; technical feasibility study; overall feasibility & profitability study) for a new French language community station in Victoria, providing $30,000 to the Société Francophone de Victoria.

In May a final technical feasibility report was received from the engineering firm Jacques Brunelle Inc.

In October a further $30 000 was received from Canadian Heritage to start the second implementation step (incorporation, technical memoir, and writing of the FM Broadcast application to the CRTC).

In March a short 50-watt test was made at 88.1 MHz.

In March the “Société radio communautaire Victoria” (SrcV) was officially incorporated.  In November, applications were made to Industry Canada and the CRTC.  Also that month, “Club 300” was created, aiming to assemble 300 people donating $300 each.  Its goal was to raise half the funds for the transmitter, antenna, audio console and other equipment.

On June 14 the CRTC approved application by the SrcV for a licence to operate a French language Type A FM community radio station.  It was to operate at 107.9 MHz with an effective radiated power of 250 watts omni-directional, and was to broadcast 126 hours a week, with a minimum of 35 hours produced by the station, including programming originating from the Réseau francophone d’Amérique (French Speaking Network of America).  The Commission also expected the station to devote at least 15% of its schedule to community-oriented spoken word programming.  The applicant indicated that the new station would place priority on programming that featured local and regional artists with a view to showcasing their culture and music.  Music was to include retro, pop, folk, Cajun, rap, hip hop, disco, jazz, classical and world music.  Plans included giving students from the French-language Victor-Brodeur School in Victoria, as well as from other schools offering a French immersion program, the opportunity to take part in training and perhaps even management activities. In December, a contract was signed with Canadian Heritage for $39,650 to start the third implementation step (financing research & on-air preparations).

Office and studio installation was made on Yates Street between August and December.  Canadian Heritage provided $35,276 to cover the other half of transmitter, antenna, and audio console costs.

On November 7th CILS-FM signed on at 107.9 MHz.

On August 31, the CRTC administratively renewed the licence for CILS-FM to December 31, 2011.  On December 19th, CILS-FM received a further administrative renewal to December 31st 2012.

On August 28, the CRTC administratively renewed the licence of CILS-FM to December 31, 2012. On December 14, the licence was renewed until August 31, 2019.

After a three-year absence, Gerald Montpetit returned to CILS as Program Director. He succeeded Phillip Mossman. 

In May, CILS changed its branding to “Radio Victoria”.