Mayor Tory To Present Drake With Key To The City

Toronto Mayor John Tory says his plans to give hometown rap star Drake, a.k.a. Drizzy, the key to the city on Friday is just the start of a long working relationship between the two.

Tory made the announcement on social media Thursday afternoon, saying the key is the “highest honour we can give”.

Drake is the first person Tory has selected to present with a key to the city since he took office in December 2014. The Mayor awards the key to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of our city and have contributed significantly to civic life.

In a series of tweets, Tory said he had met with Drake recently, and talked to him about the rapper’s desire to build Toronto’s music scene. In 2009, he founded OVO Fest, an annual music festival held in August. He’s been a global ambassador for the Raptors since 2013, he prominently features Toronto in his lyrics and his upcoming album is titled ‘Views from the 6’.

Other recipients of Toronto’s key to the city include Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Ed Mirvish, Mickey Mouse, and the People of Prince Edward Island. The ceremony will take place this spring.