Johnny Lombardi “Mr.Toronto” and CHIN Founder

Johnny Lombardi: The Voice of Multicultural Canada

On my walk through Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery in Toronto, I came upon the grave of a man who forever changed the face — and the voice — of Canadian media: Johnny Lombardi.

Born in The Ward — the historic immigrant neighbourhood near Dundas and Elizabeth Streets — Johnny grew up in what many then considered a slum. The Ward was the first stop for many newcomers to Canada, and it was there that Johnny’s deep connection to immigrant life and struggle was forged.

As Toronto evolved, so did its immigrant communities. Many Jewish families moved from The Ward to Kensington Market, while Italian families, like the Lombardis, settled further west in what we now call Little Italy — a neighbourhood I also proudly call home.

After running a successful grocery store, Lombardi’s Italian Foods Ltd., at 637 College Street, Johnny had a vision: to create a media platform that would give new Canadians a voice. That vision became a reality with the founding of CHIN Radio and CHIN-FM in the mid-1960s. By 1968, CHIN was broadcasting in 32 languages, making it one of the most inclusive and groundbreaking radio stations in the country.

But Lombardi’s story doesn’t end there. He was a WWII veteran, landing on Juno Beach, a trumpet player in the Benny Palmer Orchestra, and the founder of the beloved CHIN International Picnic, which became an annual celebration of multicultural Toronto.

Over time, Johnny built not only a media empire but a real estate and television presence that shaped the city. He went from a young boy in The Ward to being affectionately known as “Mr. Toronto”.

A recipient of the Order of Canada, Johnny Lombardi passed away in Toronto on March 18, 2002, at the age of 86. His grave is a quiet resting place for a man who made sure millions of voices were heard.

1915-2002

On my walk on College Street, Johnny’s plaque on the walk of fame in front of his building, CHIN and bronze statue across the street.