The Key to the City is a symbol of the Freedom of the City presented by a town or city's municipal government to esteemed residents or visitors whom the city wishes to honour. The award, usually an ornamental key, is generally presented by the mayor or some other public figure at an award ceremony. Some cities allow visiting celebrities to request that a key be granted to them, a practice which has resulted in some controversy. [1]
The local equivalent is the White Hat ceremony, which was begun in the 1950s by Mayor Donald Hugh MacKay. The first white felt cowboy hat was given to the Mayor of Toronto, Hiram E. McCallum, as thanks for his hosting during the 36th Grey Cup (1948). The honour can be requested through Tourism Calgary; white hatting ceremonies are also conducted for individual tourists and groups by a volunteer corps at the Calgary International Airport. [2] Past recipients include:
Municipalities in British Columbia grant the freedom of the city, rather than a key, to individuals worthy of recognition. In accordance with Section 158 of the Community Charter, [21] potential recipients must receive the unanimous support of the city council before they are granted the Freedom, which is then usually bestowed upon them during a special ceremony.
In the following list, where the date of the award ceremony is unknown, the date of the council resolution is given instead. These dates are marked with (res.).
Source: City of Burnaby [25]
Source: City of Coquitlam [29]
Unless otherwise specified, the source of the items on this list is the City of Vancouver's website. [33]
St. John's awards the Freedom of the City rather than a Key.
Source: City of St. John's [65]
Source: City of Brampton [66]
Source: City of Burlington [75]
Source: City of Ottawa [91]
Other recipients include Stompin' Tom Connors, Ronnie Hawkins, Bonnie Patterson, Thomas H. B. Symons, Paul Scholfield, and Dick Todd. [182]
Source: City of Toronto [191]
Source: City of Montreal [238]
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