Wildfire risk 'very much in the mind' of CRTC as it mulls new FM licences in Yellowknife

The risk of wildfires in the Northwest Territories is one of the main reasons a new commercial FM radio licence could be granted in Yellowknife, according to an official with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

The CRTC on Wednesday wrapped up a two-day hearing in the city, looking at two separate applications for new FM licences.

Scott Shortliffe, vice-president of broadcasting for the CRTC, said the devastating 2023 wildfires in the territory — which forced the evacuation of several communities, including Yellowknife — illustrated the "vast importance of having community information."

"Unfortunately, because of climate change, we know that Northwest Territories is subject to the possibility of more forest fires in the future — and I think that's certainly something that is very much in the mind of the commission," he said.

"It's certainly not the only factor, but I think that we would consider that much more seriously in the case of Yellowknife than we would, say, in the case of Calgary or Vancouver or Montreal."

This week's hearing comes just two years after the CRTC denied an FM licence application from Yellowknife-based Cabin Radio, saying the local market in the N.W.T. capital couldn't support another commercial station.

Shortliffe said that at that time, radio stations across Canada were still struggling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Advertising was slashed, all the commercial radio stations lost a great deal of revenue," he said.

Things have changed since then, he added. 

"What we've seen is a quite a bit of recovery, not necessarily quite to pre-COVID levels, but a steady improvement in the economic condition. And one of the things we're listening to [at this hearing] is what that means for the Yellowknife market." 

Two applicants have applied for a new broadcasting licence in the city, including Cabin Radio which is giving it another shot. It currently operates a news website and online radio station, but does not have a terrestrial radio licence.

The other applicant is Vista Radio, a B.C.-based company that currently operates True North FM in Yellowknife along with other FM stations in B.C., Alberta and Ontario.      

Both applicants made their case to the CRTC on Tuesday, and on Wednesday the commission heard from a variety of intervenors who spoke in support of or against the applications.

Many of the most passionate intervenors spoke in favour of a licence for Cabin Radio.

"Cabin has built a reputation over the past seven-plus years of providing relevant, thoughtful, analytical, and balanced journalism on issues across the North," Sheila Bassi-Kellett told the commission.

Bassi-Kellett — who was Yellowknife's city manager during the 2023 evacuation — also said Cabin Radio was "invaluable in triangulating information from both governments" during that emergency.  

Shawne Kokelj, a local retired hydrologist, said she wished Cabin Radio was on the FM dial during the evacuation, as internet service is not always available or accessible for all residents.

"To have that available ... for us, that would have meant easier access to information from our cabin, access from the vehicle while we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off, trying to prep everything," Kokelj said.

Some also spoke up in favour of Vista Radio's application. Jeff Kincaid from Yellowknife's Co-op grocery store said the company's True North FM has done a lot for the community.

"They have been co-hosts and partners with us for a food drive in Yellowknife for over 25 years," he said.

Kaila Jefferd-Moore, project director at the Northern Journalism Training Initiative, spoke up in support of granting both licence applications.

"I think the more opportunity for northerners to share their voice and be heard on the news is a net-positive for the territory," she said. "I will also add, I think a little bit of competition is healthy."

Could be 2 new stations, could be none

Cabin Radio and Vista Radio are not necessarily in competition for a single licence, according to Shortliffe.

"At this point, anything is possible. Neither might get a licence, one might get a licence, both may get a licence," he said.

"That's very much the discussion that will be taking place with the commissioners, after they've heard all the evidence at this public hearing."

Shortliffe said he was pleased by the turnout at the hearing, and acknowledged the crowd that seemed to show up for one applicant in particular.

"Certainly the support that we've seen for Cabin Radio in the room yesterday in the hearing room was very notable," he said on Wednesday morning.

"I am sure that it will be noted by the commissioners, but of course I can't tell you how much that will affect their decision-making."

Shortliffe couldn't say when the CRTC will issue its decisions on the applications, but said it will be done "as soon as humanly possible."