The City of Ottawa has officially proclaimed November 15, 2025 as “CKCU 93.1 FM Day”, recognizing the 50th anniversary of one of Canada’s most enduring independent media organizations.
Founded in 1975 as the country’s first campus-based FM radio station, CKCU has spent five decades serving Ottawa-Gatineau with community-driven news, music and storytelling in more than 10 languages.
“Volunteering at CKCU was one of the first ways I got involved in Ottawa’s broadcast community,” explained Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor, City of Ottawa. “I learned a lot, met incredible people, and felt a real connection to this city.
Fifty years later, CKCU is still giving back to the community, sharing stories, and supporting artists and future broadcasters. Today, we celebrate all that CKCU has done for our community and the role it continues to play in bringing great programming to Ottawa.”
The proclamation recognizes CKCU’s fifty years of service to the city by giving a voice to a wide range of communities, creating some of Canada’s longest-running radio programs, operating radio camps for youth, and supporting the careers of countless artists and future broadcasters. “CKCU 93.1 FM Day” is a time to reflect on what community means across the city and to recognize how local voices, shared stories, and grassroots media strengthen civic life.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Lia Kiessling, Station Director. “CKCU 93.1 FM Day is more than a celebration of one station. It is a chance to recognize the value of independent media and what it makes possible: connection, participation, and shared understanding. Community media matters because it puts people first and helps build the kind of trust and belonging that every city needs.”
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is set to deliver the official proclamation shortly after 7 p.m. at CKCU’s Dinner and Celebration on Saturday at Ollie’s Pub and Patio in Carleton University’s Nideyinàn building. The evening will feature speeches, memorabilia, and music.
CKCU’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue through the year, with special programming, public events and community storytelling that honour the station’s legacy and invite people to shape its future.
Support CKCU’s Next 50 Years
CKCU has been a trusted voice in the Ottawa-Gatineau community for five decades — and we’re just getting started. If you believe in the power of local stories, independent media, and community connection, we invite you to support our work.