The station was originally launched by Algonquin Radio, a local business consortium led by Carmen Greco, with a 250 watt signal at 1400 on the AM dial.
Well known program announcers in the early and mid 1960s included morning man, Dave Carter, Art Christmas, country music specialist Bill Haight, Johnny Meadows (who for a period of time was also the program director of the station) and host of the evening rock show, Barry Sarazin.
Among the station's alumni is former Hamilton city councillor, mayor, and federal member of Parliament Bob Bratina.
[3] The final song to be played by CKCY was Sweeney Todd's 1975 single "Roxy Roller" at approximately 11:56 pm on August 30, 1992.
Once the song was completed, an automated, repeating farewell message was broadcast past midnight and continued for several days.