City to Unveil Freedom of the City Portrait Gallery

Unveiling ceremony to be held May 11, 2015

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 7, 2015 8:43 AM

Summary

On Monday, May 11, 2015 the City of Nanaimo will unveil the newly restored Freedom of the City Portrait Gallery prior to its regular Committee of the Whole meeting. The unveiling ceremony will be held at 4:00 pm just outside of Council Chambers at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre (101 Gordon Street). Everyone is welcome to attend.

Freedom of the City is the highest honour the City can bestow, and recipients are considered Freeman. The primary purpose of the honour is to recognize an individual's lifetime achievement in supporting the livability of Nanaimo, or an individual who has gained national or international acclaim in the arts, business, humanities, politics, community service, sports or professional endeavours, and who has brought recognition to Nanaimo through his or her achievements. Freedom of the City can also be granted to military units which have earned the City's trust. For more information, please contact the Mayor's Office.

Link to Strategic Plan: The Freedom of the City honour furthers the goals of the Cultural Vitality (Creativity, Diversity, Heritage and Innovation) pillar of the Strategic Plan.

Key Points

Freedom of the City is the highest honour the City of Nanaimo can bestow.
Recipients of the Freedom of the City award are considered Freeman.
On Monday, May 11, 2015 the City of Nanaimo will unveil the newly restored Freedom of the City Portrait Gallery at 4:00 pm (just outside of Council Chambers) prior to its regular Committee of the Whole meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Quotes

"Creation of the Freedom of the City Portrait Gallery outside of Council chambers provides an appropriate location to honour the individuals and military units who have received this recognition since 1940."

Bill McKay

Mayor

City of Nanaimo