Search

Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2020-126

PDF version

Reference: Part 1 application posted on 17 January 2020

Ottawa, 17 April 2020

The Ontario Educational Communications Authority
Toronto, Ontario

Public record for this application: 2020-0019-9

CICA-DT Toronto (TVO) and its transmitter CICO-DT-59 Chatham – Technical changes

The Commission approves an application to change the channel of CICO-DT-59 Chatham, a transmitter of the English-language educational television station CICA-DT Toronto (TVO), from 28 to 34 and to decrease that transmitter’s maximum effective radiated power from 2,250 to 1,000 watts.

Application

  1. The Ontario Educational Communications Authority filed an application to amend the broadcasting licence for the English-language educational television station CICA-DT Toronto, Ontario (TVO) in order to change the channel of CICO-DT-59 Chatham, Ontario, a transmitter of CICA-DT, from 28 to 34, and to decrease that transmitter’s maximum effective radiated power (ERP) from 2,250 to 1,000 watts. All other technical parameters would remain unchanged.
  2. As part of the 600 MHz spectrum repacking initiative, CICO-DT-59 was required to change its channel from 33 to 28. The licensee submitted that the use of channel 34 rather than channel 28 would allow it not only to maintain operations in Chatham, but also to reduce the costs associated with the required channel change by re-using its existing antenna. 

Interventions and reply

  1. The Commission received interventions from individuals who expressed concerns regarding the proposed use of channel 34 for the transmitter, noting possible interference issues with the signal of the television station WKBD-DT Detroit, Michigan. In its reply, the licensee acknowledged the proposed channel’s limitations and that the proposed channel would create interference challenges. It added, however, that as a result of preliminary evaluations, a decrease in the transmitter’s authorized contours that would result from the decrease in its maximum ERP would serve to avoid interference with other stations.

Commission’s analysis and decision

  1. The proposed technical changes are intended to maintain coverage of CICO-DT-59 and to reuse the existing tower in light of the channel changes required by the 600 MHz repack initiative. In the Commission’s view, the technical changes would address these issues and would not cause noticeable changes in coverage or reception.
  2. The Commission also notes that is it the responsibility of the Department of Industry (the Department) to ensure that the procedures and rules regarding interference analysis are followed according to BPR-11 — Broadcasting Television Application Procedures During the 600 MHz Transition.

Conclusion

  1. In light of all of the above, the Commission approves the application by The Ontario Educational Communications Authority to amend the broadcasting licence for the English-language educational television programming undertaking CICA-DT Toronto (TVO) in order to change the channel of its transmitter CICO-DT-59 Chatham from 28 to 34 and to decrease the transmitter’s maximum effective radiated power from 2,250 to 1,000 watts.
  2. Pursuant to section 22(1) of the Broadcasting Act, this authority will only be effective when the Department notifies the Commission that its technical requirements have been met and that a broadcasting certificate will be issued.
  3. The licensee must implement the technical changes by no later than 17 April 2022. To request an extension, the licensee must submit a written request to the Commission at least 60 days before that date, using the form available on the Commission’s website.

Secretary General

This decision is to be appended to the licence.

Date modified: