Somewhere around 1976, Tosh Miyagawa moved to Salmon Arm from Milk River, SK. He became acquainted with Ken Hoshowksi.  Tosh suggested that some of the local hams should get together to share the hobby.  Ken and Tosh came up with the idea of forming a club.

Some early suggestions for a club name included Shuswap Lake Amateur Radio Club, and Fly Hills Amateur Radio Club, but Shuswap Amateur Radio Club was settled upon and the club came into being on July 14, 1977 when it was incorporated with the B.C. government into a non-profit Registered Society #13, 301.

Directors were apportioned geographically, with one from each of Salmon Arm, Sicamous, South Side of the lake, and North Side of the lake. There were also two Directors at Large, a position to be filled by ladies.

Club members did not necessarily have to be licensed amateurs, although most were. The original objects of the club were as follows: 1. To promote amateur radio operation in the North Okanagan Shuswap area. 2. To install and operate repeater stations in the North Okanagan Shuswap area. 3. To assist in training for obtaining radio amateur licences. 4. To provide recreation activities for society members.