Launched by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in 2019, the Key to the City program at the City of Burlington honours individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to our community.
Following in the footsteps of many other cities, Burlington feels the need to recognize the people whose hard work, talent, efforts and passion make our city a better place to live.
Whether it be through sport, philanthropy, arts & culture, volunteering, advocacy or leadership, the recipients of a Key to the City will have created a unique and meaningful legacy that will positively impact our community for years to come.
The Key to the City was designed and created by Burlington resident, fine art stained glass artist, Teresa Seaton. Her uniquely sculptural work incorporates elements of Burlington’s natural landscape, City crest, and the clock that sits in front of city hall.
Key to the City Recipients
Future recipients will be announced by the Mayor as they arise, and align with the criteria listed above.
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In January 2019, Mayor Meed Ward announced the launch of a new Key to the City program for the City of Burlington to honour individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the community. The recipient of the inaugural Key was announced to be, posthumously, Mike Taylor of Walk Off the Earth (WOTE) for the impact he made on Burlington’s arts and culture scene with his talent, music and community involvement. Mike passed away in December 2018. It was a devastating loss for his family, bandmates, fans and our city. Mike made Burlington his home and we thank him for his contribution to music both locally and around the world. Mike and WOTE helped put Burlington on the map and he will be truly missed. Acting as a musical ambassador, Mike not only advanced Burlington’s local culture across the country with his band, but right here in our own community. |
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In October 2019, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of twinning agreement between the cities of Burlington and Itabashi, Japan, Mayor Meed Ward presented Itabashi Mayor Takeshi Sakamoto and the City of Itabashi with Burlington’s Key to the City. The presentation was made during a trip by an Official Burlington Delegation to Itabashi. As part of the dual exchanges that occur in the twinning relationship, both cities send reciprocal official delegations to each other every five years as a way of fostering world peace and global understanding. |