As much as we’d like to claim Minus don Richie Hawtin as our own (he grew up in Banbury, don’t you know), his heart probably lies in Windsor, Ontario.

Having built his hugely influential career out of the city, Hawtin is very much a son of Windsor. As Mixmag report, the city has now tipped its hat to the techno superstar by giving him its keys. The honour is little more than nominal, but is only granted to residents of particular standing or esteem. In receiving the key, Hawtin follows in the footsteps of Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.

Windsor mayor Eddie Francis outlined why Hawtin was granted the honour: “He’s the best at what he does worldwide. Being the best at what he does, he has been able to position the City of Windsor well. He has been a successful ambassador to the city. And he continues to inspire a younger generation.”

Windsor, the southernmost city in Canada, is a near neighbour of Detroit. Other musical Windsorites include The Band’s Garth Hudson and Shania Twain.