Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2017-422

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Reference: 2017-94

Ottawa, 30 November 2017

Radio Vallacquoise inc.
Val-des-Lacs, Quebec

Application 2016-1153-3, received 7 November 2016
Public record for this application
Public hearing in the National Capital Region
15 June 2017

Low-power community radio station in Val-des-Lacs

The Commission approves an application for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power, French-language community FM radio station in Val-des-Lacs, Quebec.

Background

1. In Broadcasting Decision 2013-113, the Commission approved an application by Radio Vallacquoise inc. (Radio Vallacquoise) for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power, French-language developmental community FM radio station in Val-des-Lacs, Quebec. The station launched in 2014 as CHVL-FM and operates at 106.5 MHz (channel 293LP) with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 5 watts and an effective height of antenna above average terrain (EHAAT) of -3.8 metres.

Application

2. Radio Vallacquoise filed an application for a broadcasting licence to operate CHVL-FM as a low-power, French-language community FM radio station in Val-des-Lacs. The proposed station would operate under the current technical parameters (106.5 MHz [channel 293LP], ERP of 5 watts and EHAAT of -3.8 metres). The Commission did not receive any interventions in regard to this application.
3. Radio Vallacquoise is a not-for-profit corporation controlled by its board of directors.
4. The applicant proposed that the station would broadcast 80 hours of local programming each broadcast week, including:
   • 24 hours of news bulletins devoted entirely to pure news; and
   • three hours and 30 minutes of spoken word content.
5. Musical programming would be drawn from content categories 2 (Popular Music, approximately 75%) and 3 (Special Interest Music, approximately 25%).
6. The applicant indicated that the station would become a predominant resource for better informing the Val-des-Lacs population on various topics through diverse programming tailored to the community. It indicated that acquiring a licence would ensure its improved participation in the life and development of the community.
7. In addition to local and regional news of interest to the Val-des-Lacs population, the station would provide weather reports, classified ads, and cultural and recreational services, and would cover municipal affairs, urban development and tourism.
8. In regard to local talent, the applicant stated that the programs “Full ado” and “La Calèche” would permit new artists to gain exposure on the station’s airwaves. Programming would also include a radio novel written and directed by a Val-des-Lacs resident.
9. In regard to volunteering, Radio Vallacquoise indicated that several volunteer members of the board of directors are involved in the community and would promote the station to youths and elders in order to increase their interest in radio. A schedule slot would be set aside for music and for hosting by 12- to 17-year-old volunteers. The applicant also indicated that it would promote community training during social gatherings, social dances and card nights. It specified that most of its programs are pre-recorded and that a member of the board of directors is responsible for their broadcast. Further, it stated that all programming projects are submitted to the steering committee for approval. The applicant also noted that an active member of the station is responsible for the station’s compliance with its conditions of licence.

Commission’s analysis and decision

10. Pursuant to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2010-499, which relates to campus and community radio (the Policy), the Commission expects community radio stations to provide programming differing in style and substance from that provided by other elements of the broadcasting system, in particular, commercial radio stations and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. This programming should consist of music, especially Canadian music, not generally heard on commercial stations (including Special Interest Music and styles of popular music seldom broadcast), in-depth spoken word programs, and programs that target specific groups within the community.
11. In this regard, Radio Vallacquoise serves the Val-des-Lacs community through a broad variety of unique programs focused on the community and permits new artists to gain on-air exposure.
12. The Commission finds that the application complies with the provisions for community radio stations set out in the Policy. Accordingly, the Commission approves the application by Radio Vallacquoise inc. for a broadcasting licence to operate a low-power, French-language community FM radio programming undertaking in Val-des-Lacs. The terms and conditions of licence are set out in the appendix to this decision.

Reminder

13. Pursuant to section 16 of the Radio Regulations, 1986, all licensees of campus, community and Native radio stations must participate in the National Public Alerting System.

Secretary General

Related documents

• Developmental community radio station in Val-des-Lacs, Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2013-113, 11 March 2013
• Campus and community radio policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2010-499, 22 July 2010

This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Terms

The licence will expire 31 August 2024.

The station will operate at 106.5 MHz (channel 293LP) with an effective radiated power of 5 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of -3.8 metres).

Pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, no licence may be issued until the Department of Industry (the Department) notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.

Given that the technical parameters approved in this decision are for a low-power unprotected FM undertaking, the applicant will have to select another frequency if the Department so requires.

Furthermore, the Commission will only issue a licence for this undertaking once the applicant has informed the Commission in writing that it is prepared to commence operations. The undertaking must be operational at the earliest possible date and in any event no later than 24 months from the date of this decision, unless a request for an extension of time is approved by the Commission before 30 November 2019. In order to ensure that such a request is processed in a timely manner, it should be submitted at least 60 days before this date.

Conditions of licence

1. The licensee shall adhere to the conditions set out in Standard conditions of licence for campus and community radio stations, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2012-304, 22 May 2012, as well as to the conditions set out in the broadcasting licence for the undertaking.

Expectation

As set out in Campus and community radio policy, Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2010-499, 22 July 2010, the Commission expects all community and campus licensees to file yearly updates on the composition of their boards of directors. These annual updates can be submitted at the time of submission of annual returns, following annual board of directors’ elections, or at any other time. As noted in Appendix 3 to that regulatory policy, licensees may submit such documentation via the Commission’s website.

Encouragement

The Commission considers that community radio stations should be particularly sensitive to employment equity issues in order to reflect fully the communities they serve. It encourages the licensee to consider these issues in its hiring practices and in all other aspects of its management of human resources.

Date modified:

2017-11-30