Canada's Walk of Fame

Canada's Walk of Fame (French: Allée des célébrités canadiennes) acknowledges the achievements, accomplishments, and successes of amazing Canadians. It consists of a series of stars in front of Roy Thomson Hall, The Princess of Wales Theatre, and The Royal Alexandra Theatre on King Street and Simcoe Street in Toronto, Ontario. Created in 1998, it includes athletes, coaches and other sports figures; actors, directors, writer and producers of movies, television and stage; singers, songwriters and musicians; playwrights; authors; comedians; even cartoonists and supermodels.

Comparison between the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada's Walk of Fame

Although it initially seems much like its closest American counterpart, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Canada's Walk of Fame differs in many ways.

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The Hollywood Walk allows only celebrities of the silver screen, television, radio and singers/musicians, Canada's Walk allows people of much diverse occupations, as listed above. While most celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are American or have achieved their fame in America, Canada's Walk of Fame is exclusive to Canadians. This is as very few Americans come to Canada and achieve fame; so an international allowance is redundant. This is not to say immigrants are not allowed, only the celebrity must have held Canadian citizenship or had a primary residence in the country at one point. As Canada's entertainment industry slowly blossoms though, more actors, singers and other creative personalities might start to do so.

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Both Walks have stars signifying each celebrity's spot, but the American path requires an upkeep fee, unlike the Canadian counterpart which actually is a true hall of fame. Whereas any star that meets criteria can essentially buy their way into the American walk, Canadian are selected via a supervising committee, and thus must earn their honour. Finally, Canadians stars are inducted in an annual group ceremony; Hollywood rarely inducts more than two major stars at a time.

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