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August 7, 2001

To:    CRTC staff and commissoners
From: Oliver Zielke
            Ashbridge Bay Watershed Council
Re:    Star Ray TV

1. This intervention is written on behalf of the Ashbridge Bay Watershed
Council, a grassroots environmental organization active in the east end of
the City of Toronto.

2.  Getting important messages regarding local ecological health to the
public is urgent but difficult. Star Ray TV has been very receptive to
providing our group with a platform to communicate locally. Especially for
the youth in our community, the availability of such a distinct alternative
is essential.

4.  The existence of low power UHF stations in other countries demonstrates
their potential viability and provides a rationale for at least a Canadian
trial.

5. Star Ray TV has demonstrated in its programming up to now a commitment to
a high standard: non-violent, non-sexist, and non-racist.

6. The current impasse between the CRTC and Star Ray is a destructive force
in our community.  I would ask the commissioners to,  for this instance,
think and act "outside of the box" and create the possibility for our
community to work in partnership with the CRTC and Star Ray, subject to
conditions you see fit.

Thank-you for your consideration

Oliver Zielke, Director
Ashbridge Bay Watershed Council