2025 Key to the City Recipients Announced!

Key to the City
Written By

It is with immense pride and gratitude that we recognize Sarah Harmer, Chris McKhool, and Beverley Jacobs with the Key to the City. Each of these incredible individuals has left an indelible mark on Burlington through their passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to our community. Their contributions extend beyond Burlington; they have touched countless lives, inspiring hope, creativity, and compassion. This honour is a testament to their extraordinary dedication, and we are truly fortunate to have them as part of our Burlington family.

On behalf of the City of Burlington, we thank you for your dedication to your community!

Meet the Recipients

Sarah Harmer

Born and raised in Burlington’s Ward 3, Sarah Harmer is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and a dedicated environmental advocate. With three JUNO awards, including the JUNO Humanitarian Award, eight nominations, and two Polaris Prize shortlist recognitions, Sarah has used her platform to drive meaningful change. She co-founded Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL) to safeguard Mount Nemo Plateau, part of a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Her tireless work continues to preserve Burlington’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Chris McKhool

An internationally renowned musician and filmmaker, Chris McKhool has been a vibrant force in Burlington’s arts and culture scene. He is a four-time JUNO nominee, seven-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner, and two-time Cannes World Film Festival Award-winning director for The Refuge Project and Walking Through the Fire. Chris’s creative work, especially with his group Sultans of String, champions diversity and inclusion, positioning Burlington as a hub of cultural expression and connection.

Beverley Jacobs

For 25 years, Beverley Jacobs has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to volunteerism in Burlington. She spent 23 years offering comfort and care at Carpenter Hospice, and has been instrumental in preserving Burlington’s heritage through her 15-year involvement with the Friends of Freeman Station. Beverley has also supported local health initiatives through her 25-year dedication to the CIBC Run for the Cure and 10 years with the Bright Run. Her lifelong service embodies the spirit of community.

Celebration Ceremony

A special ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, where the recipients will be officially presented with the Key to the City:

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Location: Lobby of the Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Time: 7 PM – 8:30 PM

This event is open to everyone, and I encourage you to join us and help honour these inspiring members of our community. Light refreshments will be provided.

Learn more about the Key To The City here: Burlington.ca/KeyToTheCity

Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of Burlington.

About the Key

Designed and created by local stained glass artist Teresa Seaton, the multi-coloured glass key incorporates elements of Burlington’s natural landscape and the City crest, all within the shape of our well-known blue city clock that stands proudly outside City Hall as a gift from our twin city, Itabashi, Japan. The key is housed in a textured glass box that adds to the timeless beauty of this work of art. Burlington’s Key to the City program was launched in 2019 by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

Past Recipients:

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