About John Downing
Born 1936. John Downing is a Canadian columnist.
John Downing (born 1936) is an author, reporter, editor and columnist, most notably writing for the Toronto Telegram and later the Toronto Sun.
Journalism He was editor of the Whitehorse Star in 1957, and reporter and editor on the Toronto Telegram from 1958 to 1971. He was a "Day Oner" of the Toronto Sun first as city hall columnist and then as the Editor from 1985 to 1997.
Professional associations leftJohn Downing has been president of the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto Press Club and Press Clubs of Canada, and director and governor of the Toronto Outdoor Art Show, Runnymede Health Care Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Ontario Safety League, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Safety
He has written chapters for books on the CNE and Toronto politics, two political biographies, and articles for Time, Macleans and other publications. He appeared on the CBC, CityTV, the Global Television Network, CFTR and CFRB.
Downing has been credited with popularizing the term "Red Rocket" for the Toronto Transit Corporation's (TTC) streetcars.
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Chronology 1957 - Downing joins Whitehorse Star as Editor 1958 - Downing joins the Toronto Telegram first as Reporter then City Editor and Managing Editor 1971 - Downing joins the Toronto Sun as a columnist 1985 - Downing becomes Toronto Sun Editor 1999 - Downing becomes President of Canadian National Exhibition Association
Publications Phillips, Nathan and Downing, John. Mayor of All the People, McClelland & Stewart Canada, 1967. Downing, John. "Ryerson University - A Unicorn Among Horses" John Downing (April 17 2017), Canada, 2017.
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Important facts
People in John Downing's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Downing's
Frequently asked questions
Who is John Downing?
Canadian journalist
When was John Downing born?
John Downing was born on 10 June 1936 in Toronto.
What is John Downing's occupation?
John Downing is a columnist.
What nationality is John Downing?
John Downing is Canadian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Downing. https://biography.guide/john-downing/
MLA: "John Downing." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-downing/.
Chicago: "John Downing." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-downing/.
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