Revelstoke radio station seeks community funding after finding new home

Stoke FM broadcasting since 2011, leaving downtown office for Industrial Park

A local radio station with a 15-year legacy in Revelstoke will continue to serve the community now that it’s lined up a new place in town to relocate to. Stoke FM, originally run out of founder Scott Duke’s basement following its broadcast debut in 2011, today provides a range of music, morning shows and other programming from its one-room office at 111 Second St. East. Some programs, such as Mike Watson’s 14-years-running Mountains, Lakes, and Streams show that concluded in June 2025, have become go-to listening for community members, also providing entertainment for drivers passing by on the highways.

When the non-profit learned earlier this year that local food tech company Cronometer was buying the building to expand operations, giving Stoke FM until October to find a new home, executive director Tim van der Krogt sought leads on available spaces for rent with 300 square feet and 24-7 access. READ: Mountain Mike signs off: End of Revelstoke’s longest-running show On Tuesday, July 14, he shared with Black Press Media that Stoke FM has secured a new location in Industrial Park near Revy Self Storage and the bottle depot.

The space there is slightly larger than Stoke FM’s Second Street home, and thanks to not having a divider wall will provide more room for the radio admin team to work on site while shows are rolling. “It’s a bit sad leaving downtown,” Van der Krogt said, adding that “our rent has been so good being in that building since 2015.” But more office space for the radio and not too far a distance between Industrial Park and downtown are among benefits of this relocation, he said.

Getting to rebuild Stoke FM’s home from scratch also gives an opportunity to upgrade radio equipment and sound systems. The move officially happens Sept. 1, though Van der Krogt noted this will be a gradual transition between the two spaces over several weeks. He acknowledged Cronometer for offering to help assist and finance Stoke FM’s move this summer, along with letting it keep its broadcast antenna on the current building to maintain connection across town, especially for Big Eddy.

“They’ve been super supportive and they want to see us continue,” he said. “It’s radio in 2026 — we’re always operating on very tight margins.” Community radio remains an important voice of rural towns such as Revelstoke, as well as a natural promotional tool for other non-profits.

“We offer the opportunity for any non-profit to come on the morning show and promote what they’re doing,” said Van der Krogt, who’s also the lead singer for local alternative rock band Pickle Juice. “I’m trying to push more community programming.” READ:

Revelstoke rockers finalizing new EP after NHL song spotlight Plans include an upcoming DJ night at the Revelstoke Railway Museum, an October punk night with Montreal reggae fusion band KORE, and a winter comedy festival. Looking ahead to their move, the Stoke FM team is asking the public to pitch in $5,000 to cover relocation costs, new broadcasting gear, studio setup, cabling and network infrastructure, equipment mounting and hardware, and renovation and refurbishment of the new space. “Every donation, no matter the size, helps keep Revelstoke’s community radio station on air,” their GoFundMe campaign reads.

“Your support ensures Stoke FM can continue providing local news, music, events and a platform for the voices that make our community unique.” Tune into Stoke FM any day of the week at 92.5 FM, or visit stokefm.com to donate or buy a membership.