Mountain Cablevision subscribers might find Cable 14 replaced next year with the new owner's own community station.

Shaw Communications Inc. completed its purchase of Mountain Cable on Oct. 30.

A number of changes will occur over the coming months, including programming on the local channel, Ken Stein, Shaw's senior vice-president of corporate and regulatory affairs, said in an interview with the Mountain News this week.

“We are going to look at that,” he said. “We see that as one area where we could do some different things.”

One addition could be a live morning show, something that has been been popular in other markets where Shaw operates, said Mr. Stein.

Cable 14, which is currently operated by Mountain Cable, Source Cable and Cogeco.

Mr. Stein said the transition to Shaw’s ownership from the Boris family should be seamless and customers shouldn't notice any difference under the new ownership.

Local service will be maintained, he said, and no layoffs are planned.
“Our commitment to the Boris family was to continue their tradition of service,” said Mr. Stein.

Callers will still get a live and local voice on the phone, he said, but Shaw is exploring a web-based customer service system.

No price hike planned, but different channel packages and additional products are possible, he said.

Shaw's purchase of Mountain Cable is seen within the industry as the first move in a push to gain a larger foothold in the Ontario market.
“We do want to be in Ontario,” said Mr. Stein.

“If there are other possibilities, we're certainly open to those.”

He said Shaw didn’t go after Mountain Cable, said Mr. Stein. The company was approached by Owen Boris.

“He decided it was time to exit,” said Mr. Stein.

Asked about the purchase of Source Cable, now the Mountain’s only independent cable operator, Mr. Stein said Shaw wasn’t necessarily looking to acquire the firm right now.

“We generally like to see the ‘for sale’ sign first.”