CIIO-FM

On June 23, the CRTC approved in part the application by 3077457 Nova Scotia Limited for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power English-language tourist information service in Ottawa. The licensee was directed to submit for approval an application proposing the use of a suitable low-power frequency other than 96.5 MHz (ERP of 18 watts). The station would broadcast pre-recorded messages informing tourists of weather and highway conditions as well as attractions and services in the Ottawa area. The licence would expire August 31, 2011. 3077457 Nova Scotia Limited was a corporation jointly controlled by Jack McGaw and Robert Stapells.

On December 21, the licensee received approval to operate its station at 104.7 MHz (channel 284LP) with an effective radiated power of 18 watts.

CIIO-FM began broadcasting.

On March 1, approval was given for CIIO-FM to change the frequency from 104.7 MHz (channel 284LP) to 99.7 MHz (channel 259LP). The move to 99.7 MHz took place later in the year.

The Commission denied the application by Instant Information Services Incorporated (3077457 Nova Scotia Limited) to change the authorized contours of CIIO-FM by increasing the ERP from 25 watts to an average ERP of 427 watts. At the same time Astral Media was granted a licence for the use of 99.7 MHz. CIIO had to seek a new frequency.

Instant Information Services had the licence for sister station CIIF-FM 97.5 revoked. CIIO would move from 99.7 to 97.5 MHz.

CIIO-FM went silent later in the year but was still licenced to operate.

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. CIIO-FM’s licence was due to expire August 31, 2014.