Derrick Ross presenting the Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize to Jane Siberry at the 2025 Polaris Concert & Award Ceremony – Photo by Wade Muir
The Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize celebrates classic Canadian albums released before Polaris began in 2006. Part critics prize, part public vote, it honours albums of the highest artistic distinction—without regard to sales, genre, or affiliation. Two Heritage Prize designations are awarded each year: one selected by a jury of music media and music historians, and one selected by public vote.
The 2026 Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize nominees will be announced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, with public voting opening the same day. Public voting closes on Friday, August 21, 2026. This year’s two Heritage Prize designations will be revealed at the Polaris Concert & Award Ceremony on September 22, 2026 at Massey Hall in Toronto.
CBC presents the 2026 Polaris Music Prize. The Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize was created in partnership with the Slaight Family Foundation. This project is funded in part by FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s private radio broadcasters. It is supported by SiriusXM Canada, Ontario Creates, the Government of Ontario, and the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund.
2016
1960-1975: Neil Young, Leonard Cohen
1976-1985: Rush, Kate & Anna McGarrigle
1986-1995: Blue Rodeo, Mary Margaret O'Hara
1996-2005: Arcade Fire, Lhasa de Sela
