Salt Spring Island Radio Station Launches FM Broadcast After 10 Years

A community radio station on Salt Spring Island, known as CHIR, has transitioned from online streaming to FM broadcasting after a decade of operation. The station officially began broadcasting on September 18, 2023, at 09:00 on the frequency 107.9 FM, marking a significant milestone for the local media landscape. The inaugural morning show is co-hosted by Damian Inwood, who also serves as the president of the Gulf Island Community Radio Society, and David Crouch.

Inwood expressed his excitement about the launch, stating, “I am pinching myself that this day has finally come. It’s very exciting and it’s a little bit hard to believe. It’s very satisfying as it’s what I’ve worked towards for a very long time.”

Local Programming and Future Plans

The station will commence its operations with a “soft launch” featuring 10 or 11 locally produced shows, some of which will air multiple times a week. Additionally, CHIR will include 13 syndicated shows in its programming lineup. This expansion fulfills a long-standing goal that began when the station was founded in 2015.

One of the initial aims of CHIR was to raise funds for a comprehensive engineering study to establish the parameters for a broadcast signal. Following an application to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in 2018, the station faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but ultimately received its license in 2022.

Inwood noted that fundraising efforts are ongoing to cover equipment costs. Currently, the studio and tower are situated on Salt Spring Island; however, due to the island’s topography, the signal does not reach the southern end without a repeater located on Mount Bruce. Plans are in place to install and test the necessary hardware by late fall, with the goal of broadcasting to the southern region on a new frequency of 102.1 FM shortly thereafter.

Community Engagement and Local Coverage

Once fully operational, CHIR aims to enhance its community engagement by providing coverage of local news, political meetings, and music events. Inwood encourages individuals interested in proposing new programming to visit the station’s website for more information.

The launch of CHIR on the FM dial not only symbolizes a significant achievement for the Gulf Islands community but also underscores the importance of local media in fostering connection and cultural expression. As the station continues to grow, it hopes to become a vital resource for residents and visitors alike.