Freedom of the City

The City of St. John's acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Rotary for 100 years of community service. Rotary's work in the community is vast and has been integral to the protection, growth, and enrichment of the citizens of St. John's, and to the province as a whole.

The first Rotary Club in Newfoundland and Labrador was the Rotary Club of St. John's, chartered on November 23, 1921. Rotary in St. John's has since grown to include the St. John's Northwest, St. John's East, St. John's After Hours, Waterford Valley and Rotaract St. John's Clubs.

The list of projects Rotarians have supported and sponsored in St. John's is extensive, including Rotary Sunshine Park; the Rainbow Riders Rotary Riding Building; the Bannerman Park Splashpad; re-vitalization of the Waterford River; Rotary Manor; the Northwest Rotary Skatepark and Buckmaster's Rotary Park. Rotarians have also been involved in the establishment of numerous community endeavors including the Christmas Seal vessel in support of tuberculous care, the Cadet movement, the Cancer Society, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Iris Kirby House.

For Rotary's steadfast commitment to our community and continued support of projects in the areas of mental health and addictions, housing and homelessness, food security, education, and the environment, the city of St. John's proudly award them this important award on November 22, 2021 as they celebrate one hundred years of service in 2021.

Presented November 23, 2021

For her tireless commitment to the community, especially through the preservation and protection of heritage.

Presented July 26, 2021

Recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Order of Canada, an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Memorial University and the Red Cross Humanitarian Award, Elinor Gill Ratcliffe's contributions to the province and the City are many:

• She has donated a number of pieces of public art, including The Spencer Girl at Rawlins' Cross, The Rower at Quidi Vidi Lake, and the George Street sculpture, ‘Time'.
• Her donations to the Rooms have made the social history gallery and the First World War Gallery possible.
• She contributes to Newfoundland Regiment, the Historic Sites Association, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Historical Society, the Vera Perlin Society, Memorial University, Daffodil Place, the George Street Soup Kitchen, the new YMCA of Northeast Avalon, and many cultural institutions such as the Shallaway Youth in Chorus and the Newfoundland Symphony. 

Presented May 19, 2016

• June 24, 2010 - John J. Murphy
  
  
• June 19, 2005 - Royal Canadian Regiment
  
  
• October 31, 2009 - 56 Engineer Squadron
  
  
• September 30, 2008 - Dr. Nigel Rusted
  
  
• November 15, 2004 - Dr. Paul O'Neill
  
  
• May 12, 2001 - World Junior Championship Curling Team: Brad Gushue, Skip; Mark Nichols, Third; Brent Hamilton, Second; Mike Adam, Lead; Jamie Korab, Fifth; and Jeff Thomas, Coach
  
  
• May 28, 2000 - Church Lads Brigade
  
  
• September 11, 1997 - Paul Johnson
  
  
• June 22, 1996 - H.M.C.S. St. John's
  
  
• April 24, 1985 - H.M.C.S. Cabot
  
  
• August 31, 1977 - Andrew Crosbie
  
  
• October 10, 1970 - Henry G.R. Mews
  (The ceremony on this day included the official opening of the new City Hall. The presenters of the City's Civic symbols were also made freemen: Irish Ambassador Joseph Shields; Alderman D.C. MacLean, Provost of Ayr, Scotland; and Alan O. Will, O.B.E. of Bristol, England)
  
  
• May 22, 1968 - Viscount Montgomery of Alamein
  
  
• July 1, 1963 - Royal Newfoundland Regiment, 57th anniversary of Beaumont Hamel
  
  
• May 16, 1944 - H.M.S. Newfoundland
  (Formally recognized by the City of St. John's in February 2008.  Medal presented to the H.M.S. Newfoundland Association at the Regular Meeting of Council on November 10, 2008.)