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Ditch the Cable Bill: My Journey to 30+ Free HD Channels in Ontario

Ditch the Cable Bill: My Journey to 30+ Free HD Channels in Ontario

I started exploring Over-the-Air (OTA) broadcasts back in 2004 while living in Temperance, Ontario (just west of Oak Ridges). Back then, I used a Channel Master 4-Bay antenna and was thrilled to pull in 22 channels. Fast forward to today, and I’m back in the game—proving that cord-cutting is more viable than ever in 2026.

The DIY Attic Installation

After moving in 2012, I spent a few years "antennaless" due to the complexity of the new house. My previous setup involved a simple air return vent run, but this time I had to get creative. I finally took action and mounted a high-gain antenna in the attic, running the cable outside the house and back into the basement electrical closet.

Pro Tip: Attic installs are great for protecting your gear from Ontario winters, but remember that roofing materials can reduce signal strength by 10-20%. If you're struggling with U.S. stations like FOX (29.1), a pre-amplifier is a must.

📡 Want Free TV?

Pairing a high-quality 4-Bay or 8-Bay antenna with a signal booster is the secret to pulling in Buffalo stations from the GTA. Check out our recommended cord-cutting gear below.

VIEW BEST OTA ANTENNAS

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The 2026 Channel Rundown (Toronto/Buffalo)

Currently, I'm pulling in a fantastic mix of local Canadian networks and U.S. major networks from Grand Island, NY. Here is the current lineup from my Richmond Hill area setup:

2.1 WGRZ-HD (NBC)
23.1 WNLO-HD (CW)
4.1 WIVB-HD (CBS)
29.1 WUTV-HD (FOX)
5.1 CBLT-DT (CBC)
41.1 CIII-HD (Global)
7.1 WKBW-HD (ABC)
57.1 CITYTV
9.1 CFTO (CTV)
19.1 TVO
11.1 CHCH-DT
17.1 WNED-HD (PBS)

Plus sub-channels like LAFF, Bounce, Grit TV, and Comet TV for endless classic movies and shows!

What's Your Setup?

If you've made the switch to Over-the-Air HDTV, I want to hear from you! OTA performance varies wildly based on your elevation and hardware.

Leave a comment below with your location, antenna model, and how many channels you're currently pulling in!

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