CIVL-FM

On March 14, the CRTC approved in part the application by UCFV Campus and Community Radio Society for a broadcasting licence to operate an English-language community-based campus FM radio station at the University College of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford. The Commission denied the proposed technical parameters. UCFV had to submit, within three months of the date of this decision, an amendment to its application proposing new technical parameters that were acceptable to both the Commission and the Department of Industry. UCFV proposed to operate the station at 88.5 MHz (channel 203A) with an average effective radiated power of 92 watts. The applicant stated that the proposed station would broadcast 126 hours of programming per broadcast week. Training in radio broadcasting would be provided for student volunteers, and community members would also be invited to participate in the station’s programming. UCFV further indicated that members of the Punjabi, Mandarin, Spanish, Halk’eméylem and Aboriginal communities would be welcome to produce programming in their respective languages. The applicant proposed to broadcast a wide range of music including rock, pop, dance, country, acoustic, concert music, world beat, international music, jazz and blues. At least 5% of all musical selections broadcast during each broadcast week would be from category 3 (Special interest music), in accordance with the Campus Radio Policy. The applicant further indicated that, in accordance with the Policy, at least 25% of programming aired during each broadcast week would be spoken word, including news, a lifestyle program and programs devoted to discussions of current events, culture and art. The licence, when issued, would expire 31 August 2012.

On May 21, the CRTC approved the application by UFV Campus and Community Radio Society to amend the licence for CIVL-FM in order to change the frequency from 88.5 MHz (channel 203A) to 101.7 MHz (channel 269A) and to change the station’s authorized contours by increasing the average effective radiated power from 92 watts to 220 watts (maximum ERP from 300 watts to 550 watts), by decreasing the effective height of antenna above average terrain from 336.8 metres to 121 metres, and by moving the antenna. CBU-1-FM Abbotsford would move from 101.7 MHz to 88.5 MHz. 

CIVL broadcast at low power at UFV starting September 7. This occurred around 11:20 a.m. (a CRTC directive to implement broadcast by September 6 was stayed until after Labour Day) while Larry Portelance, promotions coordinator and host of The Can-Con Containership was in the broadcast studio.

On January 17, the CRTC approved the application by UFV Campus and Community Radio Society to amend the licence for CIVL-FM, in order to change the station’s authorized contours by increasing its average effective radiated power from 220 to 520 watts (maximum ERP from 550 to 880 watts), by decreasing the effective height of antenna above average terrain from 121 to 104 metres (directional antenna) and by relocating its transmitter site. The licensee indicated that in Broadcasting Decisions 2010-297 and 2010-298, the Commission authorized CIVL-FM and CBU-1-FM Abbotsford, a transmitter of CBU Vancouver, to engage in a frequency exchange. The licensee further indicated that the Commission authorized CIVL-FM to broadcast at 101.7 MHz from the same site as CBU-1-FM. However, in Broadcasting Information Bulletin 2011-231, the Commission authorized the CBC to move its transmitter to a new site approximately 0.5 km away. Consequently, UFV requested that the Commission authorize it to move its transmitter to the same site.

CIVL began 520 watt transmission from West Abbotsford (co-location with CBC) on February 14, at around 2:30 p.m. 

CIVL Radio’s studios and offices were located at 33844 King Road in Abbotsford. Aaron Levy was station manager.

On May 16, CIVL received CRTC approval to extend its reach to Chilliwack. A new rebroadcast transmitter would operate on 92.3 with 4,600 watts. EHAAT would be -346.4 metres. Call letters would be CIVL-1.