The commission is mulling an application by Dufferin Communications for a new FM station at 88.5 FM, the last such open frequency in the area. (Obviously we wouldn't be able to get it OTA in the GTA if such a licence is granted, with Dufferin/Evanov's own CKDX on the same channel.)  Power would be 2,000 watts.

There are two things interesting about this application. The CRTC is willing to consider it despite the fact its own data shows there's no real room in the DMA for another station.

"However, given that Grimsby is located at the eastern extremity of the Hamilton Central Numeris Market and that Beamsville is located in the St. Catharines Central Numeris Market, the Commission finds it appropriate to seek comments as to whether it should consider applications to serve Grimsby and Beamsville."

So they sussed out the one strategic area where the CRTC might be willing to at least consider the idea. 

The second interesting thing is that with so much gloom and doom about radio these days, someone (even an entity as notoriously cheap as Dufferin) still thinks there's a viable business to be had in carving out a small town presence. 

I'll be curious to see if the CRTC allows them to make their pitch - and if anyone else tries to get in if they give this market the go-ahead.

CRTC Application for opening Grimsby/Beamsville to new station