CHEZ 106

If you have ever been stuck in Friday traffic on Highway 417, you know CHEZ 106 (106.1 FM). It has been Ottawa’s main rock station since 1977. While other stations change formats or close down, CHEZ stays loyal to classic guitar music.

The Good Stuff

Deep Cuts, Not Just Hits

Most pop stations loop the same ten radio edits. CHEZ digs slightly deeper. You can still hear a rare live track from Led Zeppelin or a full-length Pink Floyd song here.

The Morning Show

The Biggs & Barr Show is basically talk radio for rock fans. Chris Biggs and Jason Barr rely on dumb local stories and self-deprecating humor. They keep people awake during the morning commute and cover local stuff like the Bluesfest lineup or Ottawa Senators updates.

Local Impact

The station is well-known for supporting the Snowsuit Fund. They raise money every winter to buy warm clothes for local kids. It feels like a real community project, not just corporate charity.

The Annoying Parts

• The Loop: If you leave the station on all day in the office, you will notice a pattern. AC/DC and Queen tracks repeat at almost the exact same times every day.
• Too Many Commercials: CHEZ belongs to Rogers Sports & Media. That means heavy ad breaks, especially during rush hour. It can get annoying if you are used to Spotify.
• The Humor Style: Biggs & Barr can be too loud or "bro-style" for some. Fans of old-school hosts like Doc & Woody often prefer less talking and more music in the morning.

Technical Profile

Frequency: 106.1 FM

Power (ERP): 100,000 Watts (Class C1). This is a strong signal. You can hear it clearly from Arnprior down to Cornwall.

Digital: HD Radio (HD1) capability for clearer sound on newer car stereos.

Four Hours in the Car: My Take

I left CHEZ 106 on during a long drive up the Valley and back. Amy Volume was hosting the afternoon block, and her energy felt real, not fake-happy like most pop DJs. The signal held up perfectly the entire way. But by hour three, the flaws showed. I heard Foo Fighters twice, followed by the usual commercial block that felt way too long. It is a solid background station for a couple of hours, but don't expect a deep music education—they still play it safe with the classics.