Cable TV service in parts of the Fraser Canyon, and a related tax, could be abolished in fall referendum

Day-to-day operations are conducted by the Fraser Canyon Television Association (FCTA), an organization headed up by volunteers, governed by a board of directors, and licensed by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). FVRD provides financial administration through a cable TV tax to support FCTA operations and maintains a reserve fund for major capital upgrades, repairs, and emergencies. It should be noted that the cable TV service has no agreements or operational dependencies with emergency services or nonprofit societies in the community.

Interest in community cable TV dates back to 1974, Neill stated, when options for receiving TV programming were limited and commercial cable TV services were simply unavailable in the area. Through the efforts of volunteers, and with support from the FVRD (formerly the Fraser-Cheam Regional District), cable TV service was established in the community.

Since that time, Neill wrote in her staff report that TV service delivery has evolved significantly, and residents now have access to a wide range of alternatives, including internet-based TV and streaming services, smart TVs, and integrated applications.

“As technology has evolved, some members of the community have indicated they no longer wish to participate in the cable television service area and would prefer to access alternative services that better meet their needs,” Neill wrote.

As a result of this interest, FVRD has received a request to undertake what’s known as an “assent voting opportunity, or referendum, regarding the future of the cable television service provided by the FCTA. Before the referendum can proceed, applicable legislative requirements must be satisfied.

These include the FVRD board giving three readings to Fraser Valley Regional District Boston Bar and North Bend Television Service Repeal Bylaw No. 1829, 2026, after which the bylaw would be forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs for ratification by the inspector of municipalities. Upon that approval is received, the referendum may proceed.

From that point moving forward, electors in Electoral Area A who reside within the cable TV service area are eligible to vote in the referendum. Electors will be asked whether they wish to continue the service. If electors vote in favour of continuing the service, it will remain in place. If electors vote to discontinue the service, and all legislative requirements are satisfied, the FVRD and the FCTA will coordinate the discontinuation process.

This process will include, among other matters, termination of affiliate agreements, cancellation of permits, agreements, and licences, and management of costs associated with the removal and disposal of cable television equipment. These costs will be funded through the Boston Bar and North Bend cable TV service area budget.

FVRD currently has a plan for decommissioning the cable TV system in the works. Staff prefer that the decommissioning work proceed in phases. Phase 1 would feature an infrastructure audit to identify all cable lines and related infrastructure which requires removal ,as well as all agreements, licences, and permits requiring cancellation.

Phase 2 involves obtaining cost estimates and preparing a financial plan. As these expenses will be funded through the service area budget, FVRD staff believe it might be necessary to continue requisitioning taxes within the service area for several years until all decommissioning costs have been recovered. Phase 3 involves decommissioning the service.

FVRD indicates that phases 1 and 2 are currently underway, and states this information will be made available to electors in advance of the referendum. Phase 3 will proceed only if electors vote to discontinue the service.

To support electors in making an informed decision, the FVRD has provided information regarding the cable TV service on its HaveYourSay site. Information notices were published in the May and June 2026 issues of the Boston Bar North Bend Enhancement Society’s update newsletter. A third notice will be submitted for the July 2026 edition with the intent of providing additional information regarding the requirements and process for discontinuing the cable TV service.

Further, the Boston Bar First Nation chief and council have been apprised of the referendum. Community members residing on Kopchitchin 2 and Bucktum 4 are eligible to register to vote.

FVRD staff say they will continue to engage directly with Boston Bar First Nation chief and council throughout the referendum process.

The referendum will be conducted at the same time as the general local elections in October 2026.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Cable TV service in parts of the Fraser Canyon, and a related tax, could be abolished in fall referendum

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