CBC has announced it’s significantly increasing its investment in documentary storytelling and launching CBC Docs, a dedicated documentary FAST (free ad-supported streaming) channel, this fall.

The public broadcaster announced Thursday it’s increasing its investment in the genre by $7 million, which will include supporting more feature-length films, as well as emerging digital creators. CBC says the investment will enhance its existing slate, including documentary-focused programs, The Passionate Eye, The Nature of Things and Absolutely Canadian, as well as CBC Gem, which offers over 700 documentaries on-demand.

“Our commitment to original Canadian documentary storytelling is stronger than ever,” said Jennifer Dettman, Executive Director, Unscripted Content, CBC. “By increasing our investment, we are creating more opportunities for filmmakers at every stage of their careers and ensuring their remarkable stories reach even larger audiences. This new FAST channel allows us to modernize how we deliver high-quality documentaries, making it easier than ever for Canadians to discover the very best in home-grown storytelling.”

With the launch of the new FAST channel, CBC plans to shutter its linear discretionary specialty service documentary Channel, which will cease broadcasting on Aug. 31 “due to significant shifts in linear television consumption habits and declining subscribers.”

The new FAST channel will join CBC’s dedicated CBC Comedy channel, 15 CBC News streaming channels, and its ad-free CBC Kids channel.

More details are promised at Banff World Media Festival in June.