Chris McKhool Receives Key to the City of Burlington

Chris McKhool Receives Key to the City of Burlington  

The City of Burlington is proud to announce that acclaimed musician, cultural changemaker, and community advocate Chris McKhool was presented with the Key to the City.

The honour recognizes McKhool’s extraordinary contributions to the city and beyond through his internationally celebrated artistic projects such as Walking Through the Fire and The Refuge Project. Both productions were deeply rooted in Burlington while resonating across Canada, spotlighting Indigenous voices, refugee stories, and diverse communities through music, film, and live performance.

McKhool’s commitment to equity, access, and the performing arts has had a transformative effect on Burlington’s cultural landscape. He has worked to remove barriers for youth in underserved neighbourhoods, collaborated with educators and presenters across the region, and created opportunities for meaningful dialogue through artistic expression.

In 2024 alone, McKhool was inducted into the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame, and his work with Sultans of String has garnered multiple CFMAs, a Cannes World Film Festival win, and national acclaim for his efforts to build inclusive communities through music. His projects have been featured in both local venues and international festivals, bringing Burlington’s name to the world stage while nurturing the arts at home.

Chris McKhool’s decades-long dedication to the arts is a model of civic leadership through creativity. From producing award-winning visual albums to creating the world’s largest bicycle bell orchestra, his imaginative approach to community building continues to inspire and uplift audiences of all ages.

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