It is pretty tough to get better exposure than a Hollywood star spending a summer in your city and raving about it on social media.

That's what actor Jerry O'Connell has been doing for North Bay and he was rewarded by the city in an official way on Thursday.

O'Connell was handed a rare gift from the mayor; the key to the city.

"I'm so excited. What a special, magical time I've had here in North Bay. This is more than I could ever ask for. Just what a special time. I'm actually blown away. I got a little emo up there."

While shooting his new detective drama called 'Carter', O'Connell has been very vocal about his love for the Gateway of the North; even promoting North Bay on social media. 

From singing in karaoke bars to refereeing a local wrestling match, the actor has immersed himself in the community.

"I mean, first of all, the physical beauty of it. The lakes. The parks. The people."

In his seven years in office, North Bay Mayor Al McDonald has never given out a key to the city, but he said O'Connell is certainly deserving.

"He embraced our community," said McDonald.

"He's been out there promoting how great our community is right across North America. He's really adopted us. He's engrained himself by even going to karaoke and going out to different restaurants. The sheer amount of selfies you see on social media with our citizens."

The mayor is far from the only one in North Bay who's been impressed with O'Connell.

"He was actually really nice. He was very down to earth and very outgoing," said Randi-Lynn Freeman, a city hall worker

"Just a regular guy."

O'Connell said the most impressive thing about North Bay is the people. 

He said the locals have taught him to be kinder and more open. He's hoping Carter gets picked up and there will be more filming in the city, so he can possibly set up more permanent roots.