Toronto’s entertainment landscape shone brighter last night as Canada’s Walk of Fame unveiled its 2024 class of inductees during a star-studded ceremony at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The annual celebration, now in its 27th year, brought together cultural icons from across film, music, and sports sectors, solidifying Toronto’s reputation as a powerhouse of Canadian talent.
“This year’s inductees represent the incredible diversity and creativity that defines not just our city, but our country,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame, during his opening remarks. “Their achievements have resonated far beyond our borders.”
Montreal-born filmmaker Shawn Levy headlined the evening’s honorees. The director and producer, known for blockbusters like “Free Guy” and Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” appeared visibly moved during his acceptance speech.
“I left Canada physically, but Canada never left me,” Levy told the audience. “The storytelling sensibilities I developed growing up here have informed everything I’ve done in Hollywood.”
Toronto rock veterans Our Lady Peace received thunderous applause when taking the stage. Frontman Raine Maida reflected on the band’s journey from small Queen Street venues to international success.
“We cut our teeth in this city’s clubs,” Maida said. “Toronto audiences are notoriously tough critics – earning their respect taught us how to connect with crowds everywhere else.”
According to event organizers, this year’s selection process involved over 10,000 public nominations, a record number that highlights growing engagement with the national recognition program.
Olympic gold medalist Penny Oleksiak, who became Canada’s most decorated Olympian at the Tokyo Games, represented the sporting world among the inductees. The Toronto-born swimmer credited local training facilities and mentorship programs for launching her career.
“The support system for young athletes in this city is extraordinary,” Oleksiak noted. “I’m proof that world-class champions can develop right here at home.”
The emotional high point came when beloved children’s entertainer Fred Penner received a lifetime achievement award, prompting a spontaneous singalong of “The Cat Came Back” that united the diverse crowd.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow attended the ceremony, emphasizing the economic and cultural importance of the entertainment industry to the city.
“These honorees have not only achieved personal success, they’ve created jobs, inspired tourism, and shaped how the world sees Toronto,” Chow explained in a brief address. “Their stars on King Street represent a tangible celebration of excellence.”
The Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area reports that the Walk of Fame generates approximately $3.2 million annually in tourism revenue for nearby businesses, with visitor numbers increasing 18% over the past five years.
“When visitors come to see these stars, they also shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants, and stay in our hotels,” said Jon Kamin, Executive Director of the Entertainment District BIA. “The cultural and economic impacts are inseparable.”
Following the formal ceremony, attendees moved to a reception at the nearby TIFF Bell Lightbox, where photographs and memorabilia from this year’s inductees were displayed alongside historical artifacts from previous honorees.
The physical stars will be unveiled in a separate ceremony next month along King Street West, joining over 200 existing markers that create a literal path of Canadian excellence through downtown Toronto.
For Toronto residents like Sophia Chen, who attended the event, the Walk of Fame represents a tangible connection to cultural heroes.
“I bring my children to see the stars every summer,” Chen shared. “It makes these larger-than-life figures seem more accessible, and shows my kids what’s possible when you pursue your passions.”
The 2024 inductee class will also be featured in a television special set to air next month on CTV, ensuring their achievements reach audiences nationwide.
As the evening concluded, Canada’s Walk of Fame announced plans for expanded educational initiatives that will bring inductees’ stories into Toronto schools, inspiring the next generation of Canadian talent.
For more information about this year’s honorees or to submit nominations for 2025, Torontonians can visit Canada’s Walk of Fame official website.
