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Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2026-37

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Gatineau, 26 February 2026

Public record: 1011-NOC2026-0037

Notice of hearing

30 April 2026
National Capital Region

Deadline for submission of interventions/comments/answers: 30 March 2026

[Submit an intervention/comment/answer or view related documents]

The Commission will hold a virtual hearing on 30 April 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the National Capital Region. The Commission intends to consider the following applications, subject to interventions, without the appearance of the parties:

Applicants/Licensees and Locality

  1. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
    Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
    Applications 2025-0168-4, 2025-0169-2 and 2025-0627-0
  2. Arsenal Media Inc.
    Various locations in Quebec
    Application 2025-0585-0
  3. Arsenal Media Inc.
    Québec, Quebec
    Application 2025-0586-8
  4. Rawlco Radio Ltd.
    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    Application 2025-0613-9
  5. Stingray Radio Inc.
    Calgary, Alberta
    Application 2025-0628-8

Applications

1. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
Applications 2025-0168-4, 2025-0169-2 and 2025-0627-0

Application by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) (2025-0168-4) for a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language FM radio station to replace its English-language AM radio station CBY Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, and to transfer its transmitters CBDT-FM Deer Lake, CBNA-FM St. Anthony, CBNC-FM Stephenville, CBNE-FM Port-aux-Basques, CBNF-FM Bonne Bay, CBNH-FM St. Andrew’s, CBNJ-FM Port Saunders, CBYM-FM Mount St. Margaret and CBYP-FM Portland Creek, Newfoundland and Labrador, to the proposed new FM station.

The CBC also filed a non-severable, related application (2025-0169-2) to revoke the broadcasting licence for the AM radio programming undertaking CBY in the event the Commission approves the requested transition to an FM radio station.

Further, the CBC filed a non-severable, related application (2025-0627-0) to add an FM transmitter in Lark Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, to rebroadcast the programming of the proposed new FM station. This application was filed in response to interventions originally received in response to Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2025-220, which commented on applications 2025-0168-4 and 2025-0169-2 and raised concerns regarding a potential loss of service should the AM-to-FM transition in Corner Brook be approved.

Applications 2025-0168-4 and 2025-0169-2 were first scheduled to be considered at a hearing held on 30 October 2025 (see Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2025-220) but were withdrawn to be considered at a later date. The Commission will consider the interventions already accepted and filed on the public record for the 30 October 2025 public hearing, as well as interventions and replies received in the context of the present proceeding.

The new FM station would operate at 106.7 MHz (channel 294B1) with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 10,000 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain [EHAAT] of 143.8 metres).

The transmitter in Lark Harbour would operate at 105.3 MHz (channel 287A1) with an ERP of 240 watts (non-directional antenna with an EHAAT of -12.4 metres).

The applicant stated that the new FM station would continue to broadcast the programming of the CBC’s national English-language network Radio One, which includes not less than 12 hours of local programming per broadcast week and not less than 42 hours of local and regional programming per broadcast week, both in the English-language.

The applicant also requested authority to simulcast the programming of the new FM station on the existing AM station for a transition period of three months following implementation.

Should the Commission approve the applications, it proposes to make orders pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act) requiring the licensee to adhere to the same conditions of service as those currently in effect for the AM station CBY. These conditions of service are set out in Appendix 3 to Broadcasting Decision 2022-165 and Broadcasting Orders 2022-166 and 2022-167.

The Commission further proposes to make orders pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act requiring the new licensee to adhere to the conditions of service set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265 and in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265-1, as well as to the requirements set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986, that were made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) and (i) of the old Act. The Commission also proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act imposing a condition requiring the licensee to adhere to standard conditions relating to the National Public Alerting System (NPAS) and to advise the Commission of the implementation of the NPAS, within 14 days after the installation of the alerting equipment.

Furthermore, the Commission proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act imposing a condition authorizing the licensee to simulcast for a period of three months.

Further obligations that would reflect issues raised on the record of this proceeding may also be imposed by way of orders. This proceeding provides the opportunity for the applicant and the public to comment on these issues and any orders that may arise as a result.

Consistent with subsection 9.1(4) of the Act, interested persons may, as part of this process, make representations to the Commission with respect to the proposed orders.

The Commission may withdraw this application from the public hearing if it is not advised by the Department of Industry (also known as Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada), at least 20 days prior to the hearing, that the application is technically acceptable.

Applicant’s contact information:

181 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1K9
Fax: 613-288-6257
Email: bevkirshenblatt.regaffairs@cbc.ca
Email to request electronic version of application: regulatoryaffairs@cbc.ca

2. Arsenal Media Inc.
Various Locations in Quebec
Application 2025-0585-0

Application by Arsenal Media Inc. (Arsenal), on behalf of RNC MEDIA Inc. (RNC), for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the French-language commercial radio programming undertakings operating the following stations in Quebec: CFTX-FM Gatineau and its transmitter CFTX-FM-1 Gatineau (Buckingham), CKLX-FM Montréal, and CHXX-FM Donnacona and its transmitter CHXX-FM-1 Sainte-Croix-de-Lotbinière. Through this transaction, Arsenal would acquire from RNC the assets necessary to operate the stations. Following the closing of the transaction and subject to the Commission’s approval, Arsenal would become the licensee of these stations and transmitters.

Arsenal requested new broadcasting licences to continue operating the stations and transmitters under the same terms and conditions as those currently in effect, with two modifications. Specifically, it requested to be relieved of the conditions of service for CHXX-FM and its transmitter CHXX-FM-1 requiring it to maintain a studio in Donnacona and to broadcast at least 14 hours of local programming produced at that studio.

Arsenal is owned 75.12% by Sylvain Chamberland and 24.88% by Gestion DR (2001) Inc.

Effective control of Arsenal is exercised by Sylvain Chamberland.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, Arsenal would purchase the assets of the stations for $1,450,000. The applicant proposed a total value of the transaction of $1,803,495, which includes the leases to be assumed by the purchaser.

Arsenal requested an exception from the requirement to pay tangible benefits pursuant to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-459 (the Tangible Benefits Policy). It noted that the stations have experienced financial losses over a period of at least five consecutive years and argued that the proposed transaction would prevent the stations from closing, serve the public interest and allow distinct voices to be maintained.

Should the Commission approve the application, it proposes to make orders pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act) requiring the new licensee to adhere to the same conditions of service as those currently in effect for these stations, as updated in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-334. All licensees of commercial radio stations are subject to that regulatory policy. These conditions of service are set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Decision 2016-250 (for CFTX-FM), the appendix to Broadcasting Decision 2017-222 (for CKLX-FM), and Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Decision 2017-390 (for CHXX-FM). However, should the Commission grant the request to remove the conditions of service for CHXX-FM relating to the Donnacona studio, it proposes not to impose those conditions.

The Commission further proposes to make orders pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act requiring the new licensee to adhere to the conditions of service set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265 and in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265-1, as well as to the requirements set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986, that were made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) and (i) of the old Act. The Commission also proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act imposing a condition requiring the licensee to adhere to the standard conditions relating to the implementation of the National Public Alerting System (NPAS). All licensees of commercial radio stations are subject to these requirements.

Should the Commission deny the request for an exception to the payment of tangible benefits, it proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act requiring the new licensee to make expenditures in the form of tangible benefits consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy, as updated in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332.

Furthermore, the Commission proposes to order the new licensee to submit proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year and to do so in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission.

Further obligations that would reflect issues raised on the record of this proceeding may also be imposed by way of orders. This proceeding provides the opportunity for the applicant and the public to comment on these issues and any orders that may arise as a result.

Consistent with subsections 9.1(4) and 11.1(7) of the Act, interested persons may, as part of this process, make representations to the Commission with respect to the proposed orders.

Applicant’s contact information:

3000-662 Victoria Avenue
Saint-Lambert, Quebec
J4P 2J6
Emails: schamberland@arsenalmedia.com; michellorrain15@gmail.com
Emails to request electronic version of application: schamberland@arsenalmedia.com; michellorrain15@gmail.com

3. Arsenal Media Inc.
Québec, Quebec
Application 2025-0586-8

Application by Arsenal Media Inc. (Arsenal), on behalf of Média ClassiQ Inc., for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the French-language commercial specialty (Classical music) radio programming undertaking operating the station CJSQ-FM Québec, Quebec. Through this transaction, Arsenal would acquire from Média ClassiQ Inc. the assets necessary to operate the station. Following the closing of the transaction and subject to the Commission’s approval, Arsenal would become the licensee of CJSQ-FM.

Arsenal requested a new broadcasting licence to continue operating the station under the same terms and conditions as those currently in effect, with the exception of the conditions of service relating to operating the station under the specialty format. It stated that approval of this exception would allow the station to more easily change its format to a mainstream commercial format.

Arsenal specified that its application is conditional on approval of its request to remove the station’s conditions of service relating to the specialty format.

Arsenal is owned 75.12% by Sylvain Chamberland and 24.88% by Gestion DR (2001) Inc.

Effective control of Arsenal is exercised by Sylvain Chamberland.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, Arsenal would purchase the assets of the station for $525,000. The applicant proposed a total value of the transaction of $894,292, which includes the leases to be assumed by the purchaser.

Arsenal proposed a tangible benefits package of $53,657, which represent 6% of the stated value of transaction, the minimum percentage established in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-459 (the Tangible Benefits Policy).

Should the Commission approve the application, it proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act) requiring the new licensee to adhere to the same conditions of service as those currently in effect for the station, with a possible removal of the station’s conditions of service relating to the specialty format, should the applicant’s request be granted. These conditions of service are set out in the appendix to Broadcasting Decision 2023-201.

The Commission further proposes to make orders pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act requiring the new licensee to adhere to the conditions of service set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265 and in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265-1. The Commission also proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act imposing a condition requiring the licensee to adhere to the standard conditions relating to the implementation of the National Public Alerting System (NPAS). All licensees of commercial radio stations are subject to these requirements.

In addition, the Commission proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act requiring the new licensee to make expenditures in the form of tangible benefits consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy, as updated in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332.

Furthermore, the Commission proposes to order the new licensee to submit proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year and to do so in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission.

Further obligations that would reflect issues raised on the record of this proceeding may also be imposed by way of orders. This proceeding provides the opportunity for the applicant and the public to comment on these issues and any orders that may arise as a result.

Consistent with subsections 9.1(4) and 11.1(7) of the Act, interested persons may, as part of this process, make representations to the Commission with respect to the proposed orders.

Applicant’s contact information:

3000-662 Victoria Avenue
Saint-Lambert, Quebec
J4P 2J6
Emails: schamberland@arsenalmedia.com; michellorrain15@gmail.com
Emails to request electronic version of application: schamberland@arsenalmedia.com; michellorrain15@gmail.com

4. Rawlco Radio Ltd.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Application 2025-0613-9

Application by Rawlco Radio Ltd. (Rawlco), on behalf of 629112 Saskatchewan Ltd., for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the English-language commercial radio programming undertaking operating the station CKBL-FM Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Through this transaction, Rawlco would acquire from 629112 Saskatchewan Ltd. the assets necessary to operate the station. Following the closing of the transaction and subject to the Commission’s approval, Rawlco would become the licensee of CKBL-FM.

Rawlco requested a new broadcasting licence to continue operating the station under the same terms and conditions as those currently in effect.

Rawlco is a corporation ultimately owned by Gordon Rawlinson.

Effective control of Rawlco is exercised by Gordon Rawlinson.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, Rawlco would purchase the assets of the station for $5,000,000. The applicant proposed a total value of the transaction of $5,075,000, which includes the lease to be assumed by the purchaser.

Rawlco proposed a tangible benefits package of $304,500, which represents 6% of the stated value of the transaction, the minimum percentage established in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-459 (the Tangible Benefits Policy).

Rawlco requested that the discretionary portion of the funds originating from the tangible benefits portion of the transaction be disbursed as soon as possible, and by no later than the end of the third year following the approval of the transaction.

The altered timeline would be an exception to the allocation set out in the Tangible Benefits Policy, as updated in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332 (the Revised Commercial Radio Policy).

Should the Commission deny this exception to the standard allocation, Rawlco proposed a tangible benefits package of 6% of the stated value of transaction, to be allocated as prescribed in the Revised Commercial Radio Policy.

Should the Commission approve the application, it proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act) requiring the new licensee to adhere to the same conditions of service as those currently in effect for the station. These conditions of service are set out in Broadcasting Decision 2023-124.

The Commission further proposes to make orders pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act requiring the new licensee to adhere to the conditions of service set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265 and in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265-1, as well as to the requirements set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986 that were made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) and (i) of the old Act. The Commission also proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act imposing a condition requiring the licensee to adhere to the standard conditions relating to the implementation of the National Public Alerting System (NPAS). All licensees of commercial radio stations are subject to these requirements.

In addition, the Commission proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act requiring the new licensee to make expenditures in the form of tangible benefits consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy, as updated in the Revised Commercial Radio Policy. Should the applicant’s request relating to the disbursement of the discretionary portion of the tangible benefits be granted, the Commission also proposes to make an order to that effect.

Furthermore, the Commission proposes to order the new licensee to submit proof of payment and eligibility regarding these contributions each year and to do so in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission.

Further obligations that would reflect issues raised on the record of this proceeding may also be imposed by way of orders. This proceeding provides the opportunity for the applicant and the public to comment on these issues and any orders that may arise as a result.

Consistent with subsections 9.1(4) and 11.1(7) of the Act, interested persons may, as part of this process, make representations to the Commission with respect to the proposed orders.

Applicant’s contact information:

715 Saskatchewan Crescent West
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7M 5V7
Email: ikoturbash@rawlco.com
Email to request electronic version of application: ikoturbash@rawlco.com

5. Stingray Radio Inc.
Calgary, Alberta
Application 2025-0628-8

Application by Stingray Radio Inc. (Stingray), on behalf of Rawlco Radio Ltd. (Rawlco), for authority to change the ownership and effective control of the English-language commercial radio programming undertaking operating the station CHUP-FM Calgary, Alberta. Through this transaction, Stingray would acquire from Rawlco the assets necessary to operate the station. Following the closing of the transaction and subject to the Commission’s approval, Stingray would become the licensee of CHUP-FM.

Stingray requested a new broadcasting licence to continue operating the station under the same terms and conditions as those currently in effect.

Stingray is a corporation wholly owned by Stingray Group Inc.

Effective control of Stingray is exercised by Eric Boyko.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, Stingray would purchase the assets of the station for $5,500,000. The applicant proposed a total value of the transaction of $6,104,000, which includes the working capital to be transferred at closing and the leases to be assumed by the purchaser.

Stingray proposed a tangible benefits package of $366,240, which represents 6% of the stated value of the transaction, the minimum percentage established in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2014-459 (the Tangible Benefits Policy).

Should the Commission approve the application, it proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Broadcasting Act (the Act) requiring the new licensee to adhere to the same conditions of service as those currently in effect for the station. These conditions of service are set out in Broadcasting Decision 2020-169.

The Commission further proposes to make orders pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act requiring the new licensee to adhere to the conditions of service set out in Appendix 1 to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265 and in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2025-265-1, as well as to the requirements set out in the Radio Regulations, 1986, that were made under paragraphs 10(1)(a) and (i) of the old Act. The Commission also proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 9.1(1) of the Act imposing a condition requiring the licensee to adhere to the standard conditions relating to the implementation of the National Public Alerting System (NPAS). All licensees of commercial radio stations are subject to these requirements.

In addition, the Commission proposes to make an order pursuant to subsection 11.1(2) of the Act requiring the new licensee to make expenditures in the form of tangible benefits consistent with the Tangible Benefits Policy, as updated in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2022-332.

Furthermore, the Commission proposes to order the new licensee to submit proof of payment and eligibility regarding theses contributions each year and to do so in a form deemed acceptable by the Commission.

Further obligations that would reflect issues raised on the record of this proceeding may also be imposed by way of orders. This proceeding provides the opportunity for the applicant and the public to comment on these issues and any orders that may arise as a result.

Consistent with subsections 9.1(4) and 11.1(7) of the Act, interested persons may, as part of this process, make representations to the Commission with respect to the proposed orders.

Applicant’s contact information:

#2000 – 2 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1L5
Email: aboyd@stingray.com
Email to request electronic version of application: aboyd@stingray.com

Procedure

Deadline for interventions, comments or answers

30 March 2026

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure (the Rules of Procedure) apply to the present proceeding. Accordingly, the procedure set out below must be read in conjunction with the Rules of Procedure and related documents, which can be found on the Commission’s website under Statutes and Regulations. The guidelines set out in Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin 2010-959 provide information to help interested persons and parties understand the Rules of Procedure so that they can more effectively participate in Commission proceedings.

An intervention or answer from a respondent must be filed with the Commission and served on the applicant on or before the above-mentioned date. An answer from a respondent must also be served on any other respondent.

Interventions and answers must clearly identify the application referred to and indicate whether parties support or oppose the application, or, if they propose changes to it, include the facts and grounds for their proposal.

Interested persons and parties can coordinate, organize, and file, in a single submission, interventions by other interested persons or parties who share their position. Information on how to file this type of submission, known as a joint supporting intervention, as well as a template for the covering letter to be filed by the parties, can be found in Broadcasting Information Bulletin 2010-28-1.

The Commission encourages interested persons and parties to monitor the record of the proceeding, available on the Commission’s website, for additional information that they may find useful when preparing their submissions.

Submissions longer than five pages should include a summary. Each paragraph of all submissions should be numbered, and the line ***End of document*** should follow the last paragraph. This will help the Commission verify that the document has not been damaged during electronic transmission.

Pursuant to Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin 2015-242 (2), the Commission expects incorporated entities and associations, and encourages all interested persons and parties, to file submissions for Commission proceedings in accessible formats (for example, text-based file formats that allow text to be enlarged, modified, or read by screen readers). To provide assistance in this regard, the Commission has posted on its website guidelines for preparing documents in accessible formats.

For more information on accessibility and accommodations in Commission proceedings, please see Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin 2025-95.

Submissions must be filed by sending them to the Secretary General of the Commission using only one of the following means:

by completing the
[Intervention/comment/answer form]

or

by mail to
CRTC, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0N2

or

by fax at
819-994-0218

A true copy of each intervention or answer from a respondent must be sent to the applicant and, in the case of a respondent to an application, to any other respondent.

Parties who send documents electronically must ensure that they will be able to prove, upon Commission request, that filing, or where required, service of a particular document was completed. Accordingly, parties must keep proof of the sending and receipt of each document for 180 days after the date on which the document is filed or served. The Commission advises parties who file or serve documents by electronic means to exercise caution when using e-mail for the service of documents, as it may be difficult to establish that service has occurred.

In accordance with the Rules of Procedure, a document must be received by the Commission and all relevant parties by 5 p.m. Vancouver time (8 p.m. Gatineau time) on the date it is due. Parties are responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of their submissions and will not be notified if their submissions are received after the deadline. Late submissions, including those due to postal delays, will not be considered by the Commission and will not be made part of the public record.

The Commission will not formally acknowledge submissions. It will, however, fully consider all submissions, which will form part of the public record of the proceeding, provided that the procedure for filing set out above has been followed.

In the event that an application to be considered during the non-appearing phase of the hearing is brought to an oral phase of the hearing, and if parties wish to appear, they must provide reasons why their written interventions or answers are not sufficient and why an appearance is necessary. Parties requiring communication support must state their request on the first page of their intervention. Only those parties whose requests to appear have been granted will be contacted by the Commission and invited to appear at the public hearing.

Privacy notice

Please note the following:

Availability of documents

Electronic versions of the applications are available on the Commission’s website at www.crtc.gc.ca by selecting the application number within this notice. They are also available from the applicants, either on their websites or upon request by contacting the applicants at their email addresses, provided above.

Links to interventions, replies and answers filed for this proceeding, as well as other documents referred to in this notice, are available on the Commission’s Consultations and hearings: have your say page.

Documents are available upon request during normal business hours by contacting:

Documentation Centre
Examinationroom@crtc.gc.ca

Client Services
Toll-free telephone: 1-877-249-2782
Toll-free TTY: 1-877-909-2782

Secretary General

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