Who We Are
Simply put, Downhome is a celebration of the Newfoundland and Labrador way of life – the food, the people, the places, the history, the culture. Downhome appeals to anyone interested in what’s happening at home and with expats abroad, and our readership includes those not from this province but keenly interested in everything about it.
Downhome magazine has been published monthly since 1988 (more than 10 million magazines printed so far!), with readers across Canada, throughout the United States and around the world. In addition to our magazines – Downhome, Inside Labrador, Explore – we also have a thriving retail division (three store locations and online), products and book publishing divisions, and events including Downhome Expo (a massive multi-day consumer trade show).
Downhome has been recognized by the NL Tourism Industry Association, Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, Heritage Canada, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for our contributions to culture, heritage and tourism.
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1988
June 22: First issue of The Downhomer hits the streets in southern Ontario. It is a free black-and-white newspaper distributed at various public outlets around the Brampton area and directly to a small subscriber list.
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1990
April 28: The Giant Rally, organized by The Downhomer and the John Cabot Society of Newfoundlanders, draws thousands to Nathan Philips’ Square in downtown Toronto to protest the federal government’s mismanagement of the fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, especially around foreign overfishing. Powerful speeches to the crowd were made by broadcaster Harry Brown, union leader Richard Cashin, politician Walter Carter, and Marilyn Churley – the first Newfoundlander ever elected to Toronto City Council. September 1: The weekly Downhome Radio Show first airs on CHIN in southern Ontario. Hosted by Ron Young and Bruce Roberts, it features music and special guests from Newfoundland and Labrador.
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1992
May 3: Downhomer and the John Cabot Society of Newfoundlanders organize a massive rally in downtown Toronto to bring national attention to the federal mismanagement of the NL fishery. About 7,000 attendees hear from prominent NL politicians, the Fisherman’s Union president and NL musical performers. December 21: The Downhomer launches a fundraising drive to support residents and business affected by a devastating overnight fire on Harvey Road in St. John’s. The Downhomer Fire Relief Fund will collect more than $10,000 from readers across the country.
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1993
April: The first Downhome Shoppe opens on Lakeshore Boulevard in Toronto, ON. The magazine offices and the living quarters of the publisher are above the store.
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1997
June: The Downhomer relocates its head office to St. John’s, bringing the publication and its employees home to Newfoundland and Labrador. The magazine offices occupy two floors above the new Downhomer Shoppe and Gallery at 303 Water Street.
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1998
June 22: St. John’s Mayor Dorothy Wyatt helps officially open the Downhome Shoppe and Gallery on the 10th anniversary of Downhome magazine. She’s joined by founding editor Ron Young and his son, and general manager, Grant Young at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
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1999
September 22: Downhomer launches the Legacy Stones Project – bricks of 500-year-old Newfoundland slate that customers can have personally engraved and set right into the sidewalk outside 303 Water Street. The first one made and laid is for Joseph R. Smallwood, NL’s first premier and Father of Confederation.
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2000
May 7: The Downhomer is recognized by the Tourism Industry Association as an Ambassador of Newfoundland and Labrador Hospitality.
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2003
November 1: The Downhomer reveals its new digest format, featuring glossy pages and full colour throughout for the first time in its history.
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2005
September 1: Starting with the cover of the September issue, Downhomer magazine drops the R and becomes Downhome, a word that reflects the place and the lifestyle that the magazine has embodied and inspired for 17 years.
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2008
November 30: Ron and Lila Young set sail on the first ever Downhome Caribbean Cruise with resident and expat Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and several NL musicians. They are celebrating Downhome’s 20th anniversary aboard the Crown Princess.
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2012
April 20: Downhome Expo debuts at the Mount Pearl Glacier. It is the largest consumer show in Newfoundland and Labrador featuring vendors large and small, live entertainment, demonstration stages and an indoor zipline.
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2013
May 18: Downhome magazine reaches new heights – the stratosphere! The April 2013 issue is strapped to a weather balloon and travels more than 140,000 feet into the air, reaching the edge of space before returning safely to Earth. The entire journey is filmed on a GoPro.
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2016
March 30: Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador presents Downhome magazine with the Manning Award, in recognition of excellence in the Public Presentation of Historic Places.
OUR TEAM
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Newfoundland Pony Society
Downhome is a proud corporate partner of the Newfoundland Pony Society. You’ll find a story about their endeavors to preserve and protect this important heritage animal in every issue of Downhome Magazine. Meet volunteers and pony owners at the annual Downhome Expo and show your support! We welcome you to help and support in ensuring that this pony has a bright future! NewfoundlandPony.com
Salty Dog
Salty is Downhome’s official mascot! A Newfoundland/Labrador Retriever who’s full of mischief and playfulness. He enjoys attending local events, running into old friends and making new ones! He especially loves his canine buddies and never says no to a high-five, a hug or a photo opportunity! Salty has attended many different events, festivals and fundraisers over the years! If you’d like to inquire about Salty attending your upcoming event, please send an email to mail@downhomelife.com or phone 709-726-5113.
Annual Downtown Christmas Parade
Every year Downhome joins local businesses with their festive floats, marching bands, performance groups, and of course, Salty Dog to entertain over 60,000 spectators waiting to get a glimpse of the big guy himself!
MORE FROM DOWNHOME LIFE
Recipes
Enjoy Downhome's everyday recipes, including trendy and traditional dishes, seafood, berry desserts, and more!
Puzzles
Find the answers to the latest Downhome puzzles, look up past answers and print colouring pages!
Contests
Tell us where you found Corky, submit your Say What captions, enter our Calendar Contest and more!