CHEZ-FM (CHEZ 106): Ottawa’s Rock on 106.1 FM
If you’re searching for classic and mainstream rock in Canada’s capital, CHEZ-FM—better known as CHEZ 106 on 106.1 FM—has been the go-to Ottawa radio station for decades. Broadcasting across the Ottawa–Gatineau region, the station blends heritage, personality, and a high-power signal to deliver guitar-driven hits and local voices that feel unmistakably “Ottawa.” Owned by Rogers Sports & Media, CHEZ 106 pairs a modern digital presence with an old-school love of rock, making it easy to tune in on air or stream online wherever you are.
CHEZ launched on March 25, 1977, quickly carving out a reputation as the city’s home for rock. Over the years the brand evolved from progressive to classic and mainstream rock, but the heart of the station never changed: big riffs, iconic artists, and a loyal community of listeners. That consistency turned CHEZ into a fixture of the local dial and a cultural touchstone for generations of Ottawans who discovered new music and shared concert stories through its DJs.
Today, CHEZ 106 broadcasts from studios on Thurston Drive in Ottawa, with a transmitter at Camp Fortune in Gatineau Park that blankets the National Capital Region with clear, reliable coverage. The station’s 106.1 FM frequency is easy to remember, and its playlist spans rock’s defining eras—from stadium classics to ’90s anthems and beyond—so there’s always a familiar chorus or guitar solo waiting when you tune in.
Fun fact: the call sign “CHEZ” echoes the French word for “at the home of,” a fitting nod to the bilingual character of the region and to the station’s role as Ottawa’s home for rock. Whether you spin the dial to 106.1 FM or press play online, CHEZ-FM remains a dependable soundtrack for workdays, commutes, and weekend road trips across Eastern Ontario and Western Québec.
