Amherst Island Radio approved for signal boost, needs funds for new tower

A local radio station should be tuned in to more listeners this fall. Amherst Island Radio announced this week it has been approved for a signal boost increase that will help their signal reach more radios. 

Amherst Island Radio has been approved by the CRTC for a massive signal boost from 250 Watts to 4,800 Watts. The boost means they’ll be able to serve the region better.

“Kind of a big deal, is a bit of an understatement,” Station President, Eric Tremblay said. “I’m still pretty much in shock, to tell you the truth. Operating a federally-regulated radio station is difficult on a day-to-day basis.”

The increase in wattage now means the station’s mandate changes, as well. Amherst Island Radio will now serve all of the island and north to the township of Wilton, as well as all of Kingston and as far west as Picton.

“Everybody’s everybody’s going to be able to get this radio station wherever they drive in the region,” Tremblay said.

There are now plans to build a modern telecommunications tower in the middle of Amherst Island for the new antenna and to house brand new internet equipment.

The news means that Amherst Island Radio’s station frequency number will switch from 92.1 fm to 101.3 fm. However, while they are approved for the signal boost, they’re still in need of funds to build the new tower capable of giving off the new signal. The total cost for the tower is $200,000, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise the $70,000 remaining to build the tower.

“The contractors tell me it’s about a four to six month construction period,” Tremblay said.