Today, Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Key to the City to philanthropist and businessman Robert G. Kearns, recognizing his contributions to strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Ireland. The presentation took place at The Corleck building, a new venue for arts, culture and heritage programming located on the waterfront in the Bathurst Quay neighbourhood.
Born in Ireland, Kearns emigrated to Canada in 1979 and became a prominent member of Toronto’s Irish community. After joining the Ireland Funds of Canada, a philanthropic network connecting people of Irish heritage, he supported peace and reconciliation efforts and projects related to culture, education and community development. In 1997, he founded the Canada Ireland Foundation, 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.
More recently, Kearns was a leading force behind the Canada Ireland Foundation and The Corleck, which is set to open to the public in November.
About the Key to the City
The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto, and who have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City is Toronto’s highest honour granted by the Mayor to an individual or a group.
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.
Quotes:
“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.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.