CKQV-FM

On April 13, Norwesto Communications Ltd. was granted a licence to operate a new FM station in Vermilion Bay – on 103.3 MHz with effective radiated power of 1,600 watts. It would also operate rebroadcast transmitters at Dryden (104.5 MHz with ERP of 1,800 watts) and Kenora (104.5 MHz with ERP of 1,700 watts). The station would offer a Hot adult contemporary music format featuring mostly dance and contemporary hit music. Approximately 90 hours per week of the programming would be station-produced.

On October 8, approval was granted for a decrease in effective radiated power for CKQV-FM-2 Kenora, from 1,700 watts to 1,600 watts. Antenna height would increase from 105.2 metres to 112.8 metres. A new transmitter site would be used. 

CKQV “Q104” officially signed on the air at 1:04 p.m., November 22, playing “Today’s Hottest Music” (Contemporary Hits / Hot Adult Contemporary). Studios overlooked Eagle Lake in Vermilion Bay. Norwesto was owned by Rick Doucet and Brenda Bell.

CKQV’s three transmitters (CKQV-FM Vermilion Bay, CKQV-FM-1 Dryden and CKQV-FM-2 Kenora) provided continuus coverage along the Trans-Canada Highway, from Dinorwic to the Manitoba border – about four hours worth of travelling time. Until now, CBC Radio One provided the only continuous FM coverage along this route.

On September 27, Norwesto Communications Ltd. received approval to operate a transmitter for CKQV-FM at Sioux Lookout. The transmitter would operate at 104.5 MHz with an effective radiated power of 49 watts.

On January 29, the CRTC approved the application by Norwesto Communications Ltd. to amend the broadcasting licence for the low-power, English-language commercial radio programming undertaking CKQV-FM Vermilion Bay, in order to change the frequency of its rebroadcasting transmitter CKQV-FM-3 Sioux Lookout from 104.5 MHz to 104.1 MHz. All other technical parameters would remain unchanged. Norwesto stated that it must change CKQV-FM-3’s frequency in order to eliminate the possibility of interference with its rebroadcasting transmitter CKQV-FM-1 Dryden, which operates at 104.5 MHz.

Corey Powers departed Today’s Hottest Music Q104 (Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Vermilion Bay) after three great years. Sheila E. from Peace FM in Chetwynd, BC was named to handle afternoon drive, music director and promotion assistant duties. Her first day was Monday May 10. 

The CRTC approved a change to the ownership and control of Norwesto Communications Inc., through the transfer of all of Norwesto’s shares to GoldenWest Broadcasting Ltd., a corporation controlled by Elmer Hildebrand. Norwesto was the licensee of CKQV-FM Vermillion Bay. 

On November 26, the CRTC renewed CKQV’s licence to March 31, 2011. 

On March 10, the CRTC renewed (administrative) the licence for CKQV-FM Vermilion Bay and its transmitters CKQV-FM-1 Dryden, CKQV-FM-2 Kenora and CKQV-FM-3 Sioux Lookout, to August 31, 2011. 

On August 26, the CRTC renewed the licence for CKQV-FM Vermilion Bay and its transmitters CKQV-FM-1 Dryden, CKQV-FM-2 Kenora and CKQV-FM-3 Sioux Lookout, until August 31, 2015. This short-term licence renewal would enable the Commission to review, at an earlier date, the licensee’s compliance with the Radio Regulations, 1986 (the licensee may have failed to comply with section 9(2) of the Radio Regulations, 1986, which relates to the filing of annual returns). Condition of licence: The licensee shall ensure that all programming broadcast on the rebroadcasting transmitters CKQV-FM-1 Dryden and CKQV-FM-2 Kenora is identical to the programming that originates from its Vermilion Bay studio and is broadcast on CKQV-FM Vermilion Bay.

In the fall, CKQV dropped Hot AC in favour of Classic Hits, maintaining the Q104 branding.