It’s not saying who yet, but city council will confer the Freedom of the City to an outstanding individual at its February 27 regular meeting. The Freedom of the City is the highest honour a municipality can bestow on a distinguished person or unit of the Canadian Armed Forces (or another nation).
The Community Charter includes provisions that allow a council to grant the award to a deserving recipient. In addition to Charter-defined benefits like eligibility to vote in an election for mayor or councillor and the ability to stand for election in the municipality (if the person is a Canadian citizen), the Freedom of the City policy passed by council in 2005 also provides the following:
- Free parking at a parking space controlled by a parking meter up to the maximum time permitted by the meter and free parking at city lots and parkades where parking is available on a short-term basis.
- The privilege of being invited to special city council functions like volunteer appreciation dinners and inaugural council meetings.
- A photograph of the recipient engraved with the individual’s name and status will be displayed permanently in a prominent location at City Hall.
The award recipient’s name will be revealed after the Monday, February 27 council meeting.
The Freedom of the City is a designation that is infrequently awarded and only with council’s full support. The award is reflective of exceptional merit and public contribution.