The Grand FM will soon be moving from 92.9 to 101.1FM in order to strengthen its signal.
On Sept. 10 the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) rendered a decision amending the licence for The Grand (CICW-FM Elora and Fergus).
According to the CRTC decision, “the changes will improve the quality of the signal that CICW-FM provides to residents in Elora and Fergus.”
Centre Wellington Community Radio Inc. (CWCR) filed an application to change the frequency from 92.9 MHz to 101.1 MHz and to increase the power of the broadcast.
By changing its frequency, the station would be able to increase power and modify its radiation pattern to correct its lack of coverage east and north-east of Fergus.
Moreover, the changes, would increase considerably the interference-free zone around Fergus, particularly eastward, but would impact neighbouring markets of Guelph and Kitchener/Waterloo.
CWCR president Scott Jensen told the Advertiser the station is aiming to make the move “towards end of the year.”
He said in an email to the Advertiser the 92.9 frequency was the only one available to station officials when the station first went on air, but some “technical changes in frequencies in the past two or so years … opened up an opportunity for us to use 101.1 MHz.”
Jensen explained 92.9 has interference from a station in Haldimand. As a result, weather conditions can affect the signal for listeners in the furthest reaches of Centre Wellington.
“Moving to 101.1 at 2,500 watts gives us … interference-free listening.” Jensen suggested “there are many benefits to the listeners” as a result of the frequency change. He said “the ability to reach listeners in emergencies is probably the single largest benefit.
“Weather related events like the significant ice storms that took out hydro two years ago, is an opportunity for radio to get local information into listeners’ hands. If residents can’t hear the station reliably that is a problem.” Jensen added “the move to 101.1 allows us to grow with the community.”
