‘The Voice of Brockville’ retires after 55 years on the air

Listeners, colleagues and the community are thanking Wylie for his decades of service and wishing him a happy retirement.

A voice that has guided, informed and comforted generations is signing off today.

Bruce Wylie, widely known as “The Voice of Brockville” and “Mr. Brockville,” is retiring after 55 years on local radio. His final broadcast today marks the end of a career that began in 1971, shortly after he arrived in the city.

For decades, Wylie has been a constant presence on the airwaves, keeping residents informed on local news and events while also giving back through fundraisers and community initiatives. He became known not only for delivering information, but for being a calm and steady voice when listeners needed it most.

Wylie said the radio industry has changed significantly over the years, including the time available for on-air personalities to prepare.

He said he used to spin 45s on turntables, a practice that has practically disappeared from modern radio.

During his long career, Wylie broadcast through many major and memorable moments, but one stands out above the rest.

Wylie also interviewed a wide range of notable figures, including Canadian actor Raymond Burr, athletes from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, former baseball player Harmon Killebrew, and former prime minister Joe Clark, along with many other public figures.

Over the years, Wylie has received numerous awards recognizing both his broadcasting career and his community work. The City of Brockville has also proclaimed April 7 as Bruce Wylie Appreciation Day, highlighting the impact he has made across the region.

Wylie also played a key role during his time at CFJR as the station marked 100 years on the air, a rare milestone for local radio.

Wylie said he always treated radio as a “24-hour-a-day job,” often carrying a tape recorder with him to ensure he never missed a story.

Wylie spoke about how he would like to be remembered.

Wylie also thanked his family, including his wife Eileen, saying he is looking forward to spending more time with her in retirement.

Listeners, colleagues and the community are thanking Wylie for his decades of service and wishing him a happy retirement.

Story by: Evan Gibb