Taking place at Ricoh Coliseum as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend celebrations in the city, the presentation marks the first time that a key will be presented since Tory took office in December 2014. A press release reveals that the key is awarded to "inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of our city and have contributed significantly to civic life."
"Drake is Toronto's biggest champion: in his music, his mentorship of local talent and his presence on the world stage," Tory said in a statement. "He makes people feel good about themselves and their city, and he has drawn the eyes of the world to Toronto. He deserves our city's recognition and our pride and I'm honoured to give him the Key to the City."
Past recipients of the key include His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Atwood, Mike Myers, Celine Dion, George Chuvalo and Ed Mirvish. Get more info on the key here, and read through Tory's series of tweets below.
Tomorrow I'll give out the Key to the City. This is why. @Drakehttps://t.co/dfdIVQW3yk
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
Going to try a twitter essay. Start it from the bottom.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
I was lucky recently to spend time with a man who is well known in our city and around the world.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
I knew his name, I knew his face & I knew his music. And we wanted the chance to get to know one another, and talk about the city we love.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
In our conversations, he told me how he feels about Toronto. He told me what it means to him to be from here, and the role he wants to play.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
He talked about wanting to contribute & for the city to see him as more than just a name – but a force of good.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
He talked about his desire to build our music scene, to inspire youth and help address the social issues felt across Toronto.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
This is a man who has achieved wild success, by any standard. And more than anything, he wants great things for Toronto.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
This is a man who could live anywhere, but calls Toronto home. He wants us to be proud of him. And we are. I am.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
