Playlist today
- Queen - Radio Ga Ga
- The Sheepdogs - How Late, How Long
- The Black Crowes - Hard To Handle
- Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven
- The Trews - Hold Me In Your Arms
Top Songs
- 1 Queen - Another One Bites The Dust
- 2 Def Leppard - Photograph
- 3 John Mellencamp - Jack & Diane
- 4 Aerosmith - Dream On
- 5 Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
Recommended
CHEZ 106: More Than Just Rock in Ottawa
If you’ve ever been stuck in endless Friday traffic on Highway 417 (the Queensway), you already know: CHEZ 106 (106.1 FM) isn’t just a radio station—it’s your co-pilot through the city. Since its 1977 launch by the legendary Harvey Glatt, it has remained Ottawa’s go-to rock connection, outlasting format changes and competitors by staying true to its guitar-driven roots.
Why CHEZ 106 Is Worth Your Time
True Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)
Unlike pop stations chasing charts, CHEZ focuses on depth. That means instead of overplayed hits, you might catch a rare live track from Led Zeppelin or a full-length version of “Dogs” by Pink Floyd.
The Morning Show
The Biggs & Barr Show: Chris Biggs and Jason Barr deliver what many consider "talk radio for rock fans." Their chemistry is built on self-deprecating humor and bizarre local stories that keep Ottawa laughing through the commute. While it's high energy, they also keep the city connected to major local events, from Bluesfest lineups to Senators news.
Real Impact on the Community
CHEZ has earned trust beyond music. Their support of the Snowsuit Fund helps thousands of Ottawa kids stay warm each winter. Listening to CHEZ feels like being part of a community that genuinely looks after its own.
What Might Not Work for Everyone
Even with its legendary status, the station isn’t perfect:
- The “classic loop” effect: If you’re tuned in all day at the office, the playlist can feel conservative. The same tracks from AC/DC or Queen may repeat at similar times each day.
- Commercial breaks: As part of Rogers Sports & Media, CHEZ carries a fair amount of advertising. During peak hours, breaks can feel longer than what streaming listeners are used to.
- A specific humour style: Biggs & Barr aren’t for everyone. Fans of the old-school era (like Doc & Woody) sometimes find the show a bit loud or “bro-style,” preferring more music and less talk in the morning.
| Station | Format | Core Artists | Vibe | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEZ 106 | Classic & Active Rock | Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters | “Classic Ottawa, familiar and reliable” | Fans of guitar heritage, legendary hosts, and deep album cuts. |
| Live 88.5 | Alternative | Arctic Monkeys, Metric, Muse | “Edgy, indie, and slightly experimental” | Indie lovers searching for new bands before they hit the mainstream. |
| Rebel 101.7 | Real Rock | Metallica, Pantera, Disturbed | “Aggressive, raw, and high-energy” | Fans of heavier, non-mainstream rock. |
| Jump 106.9 | Top 40 / Pop | Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Drake | “High-energy mainstream: trendy, upbeat, and social-media driven.” | When you need a break from rock and want current global hits |
The Bottom Line: Which station should you choose?
- If you want familiar rock and legendary hosts → CHEZ 106
- If you’re looking for new indie and alternative tracks → Live 88.5
- If you need a heavier, non-mainstream sound → Rebel 101.7
- If you're in the mood for something completely different (Pop/Top 40), current hits, and high-energy trends → Jump 106.9
💡 Pro-Tip for Commuters:
Heading into the Ottawa Valley or Gatineau hills where FM signal gets patchy? Switch to the digital stream here. Life hack: Tap the heart icon next to the volume bar to save CHEZ 106 to your favorites (red heart in the top menu). This lets you jump back into the music with one click—no static, no extra apps, and zero distraction while driving.
Final Thoughts
CHEZ 106 is for those who value consistency and quality. Yes, there are ads and a somewhat predictable playlist, but the personality of hosts like Amy Volume and Cosmo—combined with a strong signal that reaches even into the Ottawa Valley—makes it a reliable companion for any drive.
Technical Profile:
Frequency: 106.1 FM
Effective Radiated Power (ERP): 100,000 Watts (Class C1) This is one of the most powerful stations in the region, providing stable reception from Arnprior to Cornwall.
Digital Broadcast: Broadcasts are in HD Radio (HD1) format, providing crystal clear sound for modern car media systems.
Slogan: "Loudly & Proudly Serving Ottawa. The Capital of Rock."
First air date: March 25, 1977
Call sign: CHEZ-FM
Owner: Rogers Sports & Media
Broadcast area National Capital Region, Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec
Sister Stations
Shows
The Biggs & Barr Show with Pastey Jamie On weekdays 5:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Lew MacDonald Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cosmo Weekdays 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Heather Mon. - Fri. 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Contacts
- Official Website: https://www.chez106.com/.
- Address: 2001 Thurston Dr, Ottawa, ON K1G 6C9, Canadá.
- Phone number: (613) 750-1061, 613-736-2001.
- SMS: 762-555.
Comments
- reg stevensoni love your music the people who bring it to me .I have one issue your contest don't seem to be fair to working man when we are at work we don't have access to radios all the time not like are the arm chair bandits . just a thought .