This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which closed in 2021.

16 Non-Torontonians Who Got A Key To The City Before Drake

And we're super excited about the latest recipient.
The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards along with concert promoter Michael Cohl (2nd from left) receive Keys to the City from the Mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman (2nd from right) (Photo by KMazur/WireImage for Molson Sports and Entertainment)
KMazur via Getty Images
The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards along with concert promoter Michael Cohl (2nd from left) receive Keys to the City from the Mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman (2nd from right) (Photo by KMazur/WireImage for Molson Sports and Entertainment)

Toronto mayor John Tory announced (over a Twitter essay), a new recipient to receive the key to the city. Unsurprisingly, this year's lucky winner — who just happens to be this city's biggest fan — is Drake.

"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," Tory wrote on Twitter. "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."

Tory, who will be giving out his first key to the city (former mayor Rob Ford gave out three, while Mel Lastman gave out 52), also uploaded a video on Facebook, expressing his further love for the Toronto-born rapper.

Key to the City - Toronto

Tomorrow, I’m going to award the Key to the City to Aubrey “Drake” Graham in front of thousands of fans during the NBA All Star weekend. I was lucky to spend time with Drake recently, and get to know a man who is well known in our city and around the world.I knew his name, I knew his face & I knew his music. But we wanted the chance to get to know each other one-on-one, and talk about the city we love.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.He talked about wanting to contribute and for the city to see him as more than just a name – but a force of good.He talked about his desire to build our music scene, to inspire youth and help address the social issues felt across Toronto.This is a man who has achieved wild success, by any standard. And more than anything, he wants great things for Toronto.This is a man who could live anywhere, but calls Toronto home.I plan to give the Key to the City to people who inspire us and make us feel good about Toronto. And I’m honoured to start that process with Drake.

Posted by John Tory on Thursday, February 11, 2016

In 2015, there was even a petition to give Drake the key to the city, organized by local guide site PointB.

But this had us thinking, who else owns the key to the 6? From A-listers to political figures to even an entire province (we're not joking), check out some of the most surprising people who hold the city's most powerful piece of metal.

Nelson Mandela

Famous People With The Key To Toronto

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.