Mayor John Tory gives rockers Rush the keys to Toronto

More two hundredpeoplebraved damp weather on Saturday to watchToronto Mayor John Tory presentkeys to the city to twomembers of the rock band Rush.

Tory put his arms around band members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson after he gave them the keys and congratulated them. The crowd cheered and clapped.

"From Willowdale to the world, the Key to the City of #Toronto is theirs," Tory tweeted. "Congrats RUSH!"

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At the event, the cityopenedanew park in their honourin the neighbourhood ofWillowdalein North York. The park is calledthe LeeLifesonArt Park.

Tory said the band has given much to the city through its music, live performances and support for charities. As an example, the mayor mentioned that the band participated ina concertafter the SARS crisisto help raise spirits in Toronto.

"We are really proud to be from this area," Lee said at the event. "We hope this park serves the community in the best possible way."

Lee andLifesonarefounding members ofRush,the iconic Canadian rockers who produced suchhits asTom Sawyer, Closer to the Heart and YYZ.NeilPeart, the drummer behind those wild solos, also will be given a key with his name engraved on it but he was not at the event.

Both Lee and Lifeson grew up in Willowdalewhere they met in junior high schooland have maintained strong connections to the city.

The park, an estimated7,000 square metres, is located betweenPrincess and Hillcrest Avenues at Gladys Allison Place. It includes a smalloutdoor stage and amphitheatre.

Tory said it is hoped the park will nurture young musical talent in the city.

Jacob Moon, a Canadian folk singer, performedat the event. paying tribute to the band.

Musically, the band has been together for some 40 years and sold millions of records worldwide. In 2013, Rush was inducted into the Rock andRoll Hall of Fame.

In February, Tory gave Drake or Aubrey Graham the key at the NBA All-Star festivities.

Previous bands to get the honour since 2000 wereThe Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Blue Rodeo, Sharon, Lois and Bram, Barenaked Ladies andNickelback.