The station making the application was CHTG-FM, which switched to Oldies on September 1st, hoping to capture those who missed the former Oldies format of CKOC in nearby Hamilton. In its decision, the CRTC stated:
The Commission notes that the applicant’s request is consistent with the policy outlined in Public Notice 1998-132, in which it stated that, in the case of stations with formats based on the presentation of older music (“oldies” stations), it will be disposed to give favourable consideration to applications of this nature requesting flexibility to broadcast a lower level of Canadian popular music than required of other commercial radio licensees by regulation. This lower level takes into account the relatively limited supply of Canadian music appropriate for the format of these stations.
The only intervention was by a geographically-challenged individual who claimed CHTG-FM was on the outskirts of the London-Windsor corridor where the CRTC has previously granted CanCon levels as low as 20% to compete with U.S. stations heard in the area.
CHTG-FM is licensed for 40% CanCon and has committed to honour that when and if their pre-1981 music falls below 90%.