By Staff
April 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON. ON
Tomorrow, April 16, Mayor Meed Ward will be presenting the Keys to the City to Sarah Harmer, Chris McKhool, and Beverly Jacobs at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
Key to the City
Residents are invited to attend this free event beginning at 7 p.m.
Sarah Harmer
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
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.
Beverly 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.
To learn more about the Keys to the City, visit Burlington.ca/KeyToTheCity
Civic Recognition Awards
City’s Civic Recognition program: Nominations for Spring 2025 are open now until Tuesday, April 22 at 4 p.m.
Civic recognition is given twice each year, in the spring and fall. Successful recipients are recognized in person at an evening Council meeting (May and October) where they are presented with a certificate. To nominate someone or to learn more, visit Burlington.ca/CivicRecognition.
We regret not being able to find a picture of Bev Jacobs.
Links and Resources
Burlington.ca/CivicRecognition
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