In recent years, the Canadian government has made it easier for community groups to obtain low power radio licenses.

For extremely low power applications, there is even a "training wheels" permit, as described by Victoria Fenner and Barry Reuger.

But it is very important for people to realize that radio broadcasting is a heavily regulated activity with very specific regulations.

For example, you can only transmit with equipment specified on lists approved by Industry Canada. Our first transmitter was a UNESCO model used all over the world, but it is not on the approved list and not legal in Canada.

You can save money on production equipment, such as CD players, but you must pay the price for transmitter, cable and antenna.

Applying for a license to CRTC is still a long and laborious process - you may need a consultant and lawyer.

We have been broadcasting what CRTC calls Limited Action Special Event Facilitating Undertakings.

There is a list of restrictions - Public Notice CRTC 1993-45 - including power (ERP actually) of less than 50 watts; only one community per year; duration not more than 28 days, and no political or religious broadcasting.

It's important to note that the radio broadcast supports the event - it is not the event. Such "undertakings" may be exempt from licensing.

However, they must be approved by Industry Canada - this includes all equipment and the broadcast itself.

Once you obtain equipment, it must be tested by Industry Canada.

For each event, you have to fill out government forms and submit them to Industry Canada for approval.

(We have a portable studio approved by Industry Canada; if you choose to retain us for the event, we will also fill out the forms for you.)

You should allow several months for the approval process.

The required forms are:

Industry Canada Application for a Broadcasting Certificate Low Power Frequency Modulation (FM) - IC2377ab

Preliminary Environmental Information, Municipal/Land-Use Consultation and Aeronautical Site Clearance Attestation - IC2586

Statement of License Exemption Meeting the Criteria of Public Notice CRTC 1993-45

Industry Canada

CRTC