Canada's Walk of Fame facts for kids
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A line of stars along Simcoe Street
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| Established | 1998 |
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| Location | 18 Gloucester Lane 3rd Floor Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1L5 |
| Type | Walk of fame |
| Founder | Peter Soumalias (co-founder) |
| Inductees | 173 |
The Canada's Walk of Fame (French: Allée des célébrités canadiennes) is in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is a special place that honors Canadians who have done amazing things. These people have excelled in many different areas.
You can find stars shaped like maple leaves on the sidewalks. They are on 13 blocks in Toronto. These stars are in front of Roy Thomson Hall, The Princess of Wales Theatre, and The Royal Alexandra Theatre on King Street. You can also find them on Simcoe Street.
The first group of honored Canadians was chosen in 1998. Now, over 200 Canadians have stars. They include activists, scientists, athletes, actors, musicians, and many others.
Contents
History of the Walk of Fame
The idea for the Walk of Fame started in 1996. A man named Peter Soumalias thought of creating a Walk of Fame for famous people from Toronto. His first idea was turned down.
But Peter Soumalias kept going. He worked with Bill Ballard, Dusty Cohl, and Gary Slaight. Together, they decided to create a Walk of Fame for all Canadians. Even without much money or a big plan, the first group of stars was added in 1998.
Canada's Walk of Fame is now a very popular place for tourists in Toronto. It is known as one of the most important recognition events in Canada.
How People Get a Star
The Selection Process
Canada's Walk of Fame has five main groups for people to be honored in:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Philanthropy & Humanities (helping others)
- Science & Technology
- Sports & Athletics
Anyone can suggest people for a star all year long. They have a special time in April called the National Nomination Promotion. Before online voting, over 30,000 suggestions came in by mail or fax. Now, people submit names on the official website. Thousands of nominations are sent in every year.
A special committee then looks at all the suggested names. They check if the person meets certain rules. The person must have been born in Canada or lived their important years here. They also need at least ten years of experience in their field. Most importantly, they must have made a big impact on Canada's culture.
If a person meets all these rules, their name goes to the board of directors. The board then chooses who will get a star.
The Star Ceremony
New stars are added every year at a special event. This is where their maple leaf-shaped star is shown for the first time. The first ceremony was in 1998. Only four of the twelve living people honored could attend that first event.
The 2007 ceremony was held at Toronto's Hummingbird Centre. All seven people being honored attended that year. Famous hosts have included Eugene Levy, Trish Stratus, and Jann Arden. The ceremony used to be shown on CTV. Since 2009, it has been shown on Global.
Special Awards
Cineplex Legends Award
The Cineplex Legends Award started in 2008. It is given to Canadian pioneers who have passed away. These are people who were leaders in film, music, sports, arts, or new ideas. Cineplex Entertainment sponsors this award. The first people to get this award were Norma and Douglas Shearer. People who win this award also get stars on the Walk of Fame.
Allan Slaight Honour
The Allan Slaight Honour began in 2010. It is named after Allan Slaight, a very important person in Canadian radio. This award goes to a young Canadian who is making a positive impact in music. Winners get $10,000 from the Slaight Foundation. However, they do not get a star on the Walk of Fame. Some past winners include Drake, Shawn Mendes, and Alessia Cara.
RBC Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Prize
In 2012, Canada's Walk of Fame teamed up with RBC. They created the RBC Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Prize. This prize is worth over $100,000. It helps young Canadian musicians. They can submit a short music video or audio clip. The winner gets $25,000 cash, studio recording time, and chances to perform.
Walk of Fame Festival
The Canada's Walk of Fame Festival started in 2010. It lasts for three days. It ends with the Canada's Walk of Fame Awards Show. Many Canadian musicians have performed at this festival. These include Sarah McLachlan and Serena Ryder. The festival also shows Canadian movies and comedy acts.
See also
In Spanish: Paseo de la fama de Canadá para niños
- List of Canadian awards
- Persons of National Historic Significance
- Canada: A People's History
- Canadian Newsmaker of the Year
- Heritage Minutes
- List of Canadian Victoria Cross recipients
- List of companions of the Order of Canada
