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 (also known as Allée des célébrités canadiennes in French) is a special place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It's like a hall of fame, but on the ground! It celebrates Canadians who have done amazing things in many different areas.
You can find these special stars, shaped like maple leafs, on the sidewalks of Toronto. They are located near famous theaters like Roy Thomson Hall, The Princess of Wales Theatre, and The Royal Alexandra Theatre on King Street and Simcoe Street. The first group of famous Canadians was added in 1998. Since then, over 200 Canadians have been honored. These include activists, scientists, athletes, actors, musicians, and many more!
Contents
History of the Walk of Fame
The idea for Canada's Walk of Fame started in 1996. A person named Peter Soumalias thought it would be great to have a Walk of Fame for famous people from Toronto. His first idea was turned down, but he didn't give up!
Instead, he worked with Bill Ballard, Dusty Cohl, and Gary Slaight to create a Walk of Fame for all Canadians. Even without a lot of money or a big plan, the first group of honorees was chosen in 1998. Today, Canada's Walk of Fame is a very popular spot for tourists in Toronto. It is known as a top event that celebrates Canadian achievements.
How People Get a Star
The Selection Process
Canada's Walk of Fame has five main categories for people to be recognized in:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Philanthropy & Humanities (helping others)
- Science & Technology
- Sports & Athletics
Anyone can suggest someone for the Walk of Fame! You can nominate people all year round, especially during April. In the past, people sent in over 30,000 nominations by mail or fax. Now, you can submit nominations online through the official website. Thousands of suggestions are received every year.
A special committee then looks at all the nominees. To be considered, a person must have been born in Canada or spent their important growing-up or creative 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 or heritage, either nationally or internationally. After the committee reviews everyone, the names that meet all the rules are sent to the board of directors. The board then makes the final decision on who gets a star.
The Ceremony
Each year, new honorees are celebrated at a special ceremony. This is where their maple leaf-shaped star is officially shown to the public. The very first ceremony was held in 1998. Not all the living honorees could attend that first event, but some famous Canadians like Karen Kain and Norman Jewison were there.
The ceremonies are often hosted by well-known Canadian personalities. Past hosts have included Eugene Levy, Anne Murray, and Howie Mandel. The event used to be shown on CTV, but since 2009, it has been broadcast on Global Television Network.
Special Awards
Besides the stars on the Walk of Fame, there are also special awards given out.
Cineplex Legends Award
The Cineplex Legends Award started in 2008. This award is given to Canadian pioneers who have passed away. These are people who were leaders in film, music, sports, arts, or new ideas. The first people to receive this award were siblings Norma and Douglas Shearer. People who receive this award also get a star 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 difference in music. Winners receive $10,000 from the Slaight Foundation. However, they are not considered official inductees of the Walk of Fame. Some past recipients include Drake, Carly Rae Jepsen, Shawn Mendes, and Alessia Cara.
RBC Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Prize
In 2012, Canada's Walk of Fame teamed up with RBC to create the RBC Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Prize. This prize is worth over $100,000. It helps young Canadian musicians. To enter, musicians submit a short audio or video performance. The winner gets $25,000 cash, time in a recording studio, chances to perform, and more!
Festival
The Canada's Walk of Fame Festival started in 2010. It is a three-day event that ends with the Canada's Walk of Fame Awards Show. The festival has featured performances by Canadian musicians like Sarah McLachlan and Melanie Fiona. It also shows Canadian films 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
