History of The Weather Network in Timeline

The Weather Network (TWN) is a Canadian English-language specialty channel that provides weather information across television, digital platforms, and TV apps. Available in Canada, the US, and the UK, TWN focuses on delivering comprehensive weather forecasts and related content through various media channels.

December 1, 1987: The Weather Network Licensed

On December 1, 1987, The Weather Network was licensed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

September 1, 1988: WeatherNow Launched

On September 1, 1988, The Weather Network was originally launched as WeatherNow by Lavalin Inc. and Landmark Communications.

May 1, 1989: Name changed to The Weather Network

On May 1, 1989, WeatherNow was renamed to its present name, The Weather Network.

1993: Pelmorex purchased The Weather Network

In 1993, Pelmorex purchased The Weather Network from SNC-Lavalin.

February 7, 1994: GTA broadcast of Morning Report

On February 7, 1994, the GTA broadcast of "Morning Report" had a runtime of 4 hours.

1994: Services began to run separately

In 1994, The Weather Network and MétéoMédia began to run separately, although both were still based in Montreal.

1996: The Weather Network launched its website

In 1996, The Weather Network launched its website and also began using its own forecast system called PMX.

May 2, 1998: The Weather Network started broadcasting from Mississauga

On May 2, 1998, The Weather Network started broadcasting nationally from a new studio facility in Mississauga, Ontario, after relocating from Montreal.

2000: The Weather Network started changes with programming

In late 2000, The Weather Network began a period of gradual changes with programming, including the launch of seven-day forecasts.

2002: Programming blocks discontinued on Weekdays

In 2002, The Weather Network discontinued programming blocks on weekdays.

2002: The Weather Network introduced "Metacast Ultra"

In 2002, The Weather Network introduced "Metacast Ultra", a weather presentation system featuring weather maps and animated icons.

March 29, 2004: The Weather Network introduced a new 14-day trend outlook

On March 29, 2004, The Weather Network introduced a new 14-day trend outlook as part of the local cable weather package.

June 2004: The Weather Network took legal action against Star Choice

In June 2004, The Weather Network took legal action against Star Choice (now Shaw Direct) after moving TWN on a new bundle without notice to subscribers.

2004: Programming blocks discontinued on Weekends

In 2004, The Weather Network discontinued programming blocks on weekends, although "This Weekend" continued to air until 2007.

November 2005: The Weather Network relocated headquarters to Oakville

In November 2005, The Weather Network relocated its headquarters to Oakville, Ontario.

November 29, 2005: Debut of GTA morning show at new facility

On November 29, 2005, The Weather Network's GTA morning show made its debut at the brand new broadcast facility.

December 2, 2005: National programming started broadcasting from the new facility

On December 2, 2005, The Weather Network's national programming started broadcasting from the new Oakville facility.

2006: Interactive version of The Weather Network started

In 2006, Bell Satellite TV and The Weather Network started an interactive version of The Weather Network, enabling viewers to set their city and view specific forecasts every time.

2006: Hourly forecast introduced

In 2006, The Weather Network introduced an hourly forecast for the next 12 hours as part of local weather products.

2006: Adrienne Clarkson Diversity Award

In 2006, The Weather Network won the first annual Adrienne Clarkson Diversity Award for network television for its news series on weather and black history.

2007: "This Weekend" discontinued

In 2007, "This Weekend" programming block was discontinued on The Weather Network.

2007: World Medal from the NY Festivals International TV Broadcasting Awards

In 2007, The Weather Network won a World Medal from the NY Festivals International TV Broadcasting Awards for a story on a blind woman learning to sail.

2008: Long term precipitation forecasts introduced

In 2008, The Weather Network introduced long term precipitation forecasts.

2008: World Medal from the NY Festivals International TV Broadcasting Awards for a story on a man and his seeing-eye dog

In 2008, The Weather Network won a World Medal from the NY Festivals International TV Broadcasting Awards for a story on a man and his seeing-eye dog trying to adapt to a harsh New Brunswick winter.

2008: Launch of local programming for the Greater Toronto Area

The 2008 launch of local programming for the Greater Toronto Area limited updated forecasts throughout the rest of Canada.

2009: Improved satellite and radar maps introduced

In 2009, The Weather Network introduced improved satellite and radar maps.

2009: Must-carry status granted

In 2009, The Weather Network was granted 9(1)(h) must-carry status by the CRTC.

May 30, 2011: The Weather Network HD launched

On May 30, 2011, The Weather Network HD, a 1080i high definition simulcast, was launched.

2013: Regional feeds launched

In early 2013, The Weather Network launched regional feeds, for Alberta and the Maritime provinces.

December 8, 2014: Content-sharing partnership with CBC News

On December 8, 2014, The Weather Network and CBC News began a content-sharing partnership.

2014: "14 day trends" introduced

At the start of 2014 spring programming cycle, "14 day trends" were introduced to the latter, whilst the former showcased information from 50 major Canadian cities.