CFVT-FM

On November 6, the CRTC denied an application by Robson Square 4600 Services Ltd. (Paul Sander) to operate a new English-language tourist information service in Vancouver at 88.9 MHz (channel 205LP) with effective radiated power of 38 watts. The proposed station would have broadcast, on a year-round basis, pre-recorded tourist information programs aimed at providing visitors with information of interest on tourist attractions and outdoor activities, as well as on shopping, entertainment, accommodation and restaurants in Vancouver. The Commission received two opposing interventions, namely from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Global Television Network Inc. The CBC stated that the frequency proposed by the applicant was identified in the CBC long range radio plan submitted to the Commission in 2001. Moreover, the intervener noted that in revised technical parameters for the new transmitter of CBUF-FM at Victoria – denied in 2001, the Commission indicated that 88.9 MHz was the only remaining FM frequency in Victoria suitable for transmitting the French-language stereo service La Chaîne culturelle. The CBC stated that, as a result, it was preparing to file an application1 for the use of this frequency. Global expressed concern that the use of 88.9 MHz by the applicant would interfere with its station, CHEK-TV. The intervener argued that the application should not be approved until such time as technical tests had been conducted and that proof had been established that the quality of CHEK-TV’s reception would not be compromised. The Commission considered the arguments submitted by the CBC and Global and found that the CBC’s intervention was justified. In CBC Vancouver – Addition of a transmitter, Decision CRTC 2002-339, also issued this date, the Commission authorized the CBC to use the 88.9 MHz frequency to operate a transmitter of the new FM station in Vancouver to rebroadcast La Chaîne culturelle programming in Victoria. The Commission encouraged the applicant to find another frequency for its proposed tourist information service and to file a new proposal with the Commission.

On November 12, the CRTC approved the application by Robson Square 4600 Services Ltd. for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power English-language FM radio programming undertaking to provide a tourist information service in North Vancouver. The station would broadcast, on a year-round basis, pre-recorded tourist information aimed at providing visitors with information on tourist attractions and outdoor activities, as well as on shopping, entertainment, accommodation and restaurants in North Vancouver. It would operate at 89.3 MHz (channel 207LP) with an effective radiated power of 38 watts. The licence would expire August 31, 2011.

CFVT-FM began broadcasting.

On November 21, the CRTC issued an exemption order for low-power radio stations that provided tourist information. It came into effect immediately. Licensees of radio stations that considered their operations to be eligible for exemption under the order could file a simple statement asking that the Commission revoke their licences. CFVT-FM’s licence would expire August 31, 2014.