History

1973

Co-op Radio began as an idea between two different groups – the Muckrakers and Neighbourhood Radio – who were producing materials for radio stations and alternative press services on issues that were usually ignored.

1974

On behalf of the first 231 shareholders of Vancouver Co-operative Radio, representatives presented to the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission) and received their first licence! The group set up the station in the former Mercantile Bank building in Vancouver’s Pigeon Park (at the corner of Carrall and Hastings St.). The building had been empty for 15 years and the founders of Co-op Radio had to shovel 2 inches of pigeon droppings from the floors of the building.

1975 – April 15th

First broadcast! In those early days, tapes were carried by hand up to the transmitter on Burnaby Mountain (3717 watts).

1978

Renewed our CRTC license and were commended for “providing a valuable alternative community service, responsible to the cultural information and entertainment needs of its listeners.”

1979

Carried on cable to most parts of BC

1980

Won the national Media Human Rights Award from the League for Human Rights of B’nai B’rith.

1982

Moved transmitter to Mount Seymour (5500 watts), which we used on 102.7FM until September 2012, when we received a new transmitter and moved to a new frequency of the FM dial.

1984

Began full daytime programming – prior to that we were only broadcasting after 5pm on weekdays.
Mayor Mike Harcourt declares the first week in May to be Community Radio Week, in honour of Co-op Radio.

1997

Began the process of finding a new home for Co-op Radio. The decision to move went to 2 AGMs. and we were offered a space by the Portland Hotel Society – (important for us to stay in neighbourhood, accessibility, line-of-sight to our transmitter)

2001

Moved to the new station at 360 Columbia St. (220 metres away from the old one!). Our new space offered us more accessibility, more visibility and more financial sustainability.

2012

Moved to a new frequency on the FM dial, 100.5FM. With a new transmitter, we started broadcasting in stereo with a more reliable and clear signal.

2014

Temporarily relocated the station to 2014 Wall Street due to building renovations. The building we were broadcasting from was run by the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society.

2017

We moved back to our home on Columbia Street.

2020

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the station continued to broadcast due to it’s dedicated volunteers who recorded their shows from home. Our new morning radio show launched bringing essential news updates to the community.