Toronto/CMEDIA: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has presented the Key to the City to philanthropist and businessman Robert G. Kearns at The Corleck building, a new venue for arts, culture and heritage programming located on the waterfront in the Bathurst Quay neighbourhood.
Robert Kearns’ contributions to strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Ireland were recognized by Chow.
“Robert Kearns has been a pillar of Toronto’s Irish community for three decades now, contributing greatly to the city’s vibrancy and strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Ireland. His most recent venture, The Corleck, will bring a vibrant new venue for arts, culture, and community, right to the shores of Toronto’s evolving waterfront. On behalf of the City of Toronto, I am proud to present him with the Key to the City,” Chow has said.
Key to the City, Toronto’s highest honour, is awarded by the Mayor to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto, and who have contributed significantly to civic life.
Born in Ireland, Kearns emigrated to Canada in 1979 and became a prominent member of Toronto’s Irish community.
Kearns supported peace and reconciliation efforts and projects related to culture, education and community development soon after joining the Ireland Funds of Canada, a philanthropic network connecting people of Irish heritage.
He founded the Canada Ireland Foundation in 1997 and established several commemorative projects in Toronto, including Ireland Park, featuring Irish Famine sculptures, and Grasett Park, a tribute to Irish-born Toronto based health-care workers who died supporting Irish Famine migrants.
Kearns was a leading force behind the Canada Ireland Foundation and The Corleck, more recently, which is set to open to the public in November.
More information, including a list of past recipients, is available on the City’s Key to the City webpages.
Mayor Chow invites residents to share their suggestions for individuals they believe should receive the Key to the City. To nominate someone who has made a meaningful impact on Toronto, visit the Mayor’s website.
