Volunteer Recognition Awards

Launched in 2022, the Town's annual Volunteer Recognition Awards event aims to celebrate and honour outstanding residents, community groups and organizations who work to enhance the quality of life in The Blue Mountains.

On this page:
1. Volunteer Fair and Recognition Awards Information
2. 2025 Volunteer Recognition Awards

Volunteer Fair and Recognition Awards Information

The Town's Annual Volunteer Fair is a free event providing an opportunity for groups to connect with local residents looking to volunteer in the community.

2026 Volunteer Fair and Awards

Save the Date! This year's Volunteer Fair and Awards presentation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at the Beaver Valley Community Centre.

Volunteer Fair: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Volunteer Awards: Beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The nomination period for the Town's 2026 Volunteer Recognition Awards is now open! Nominations will be accepted from February 2 to March 6, 2026.

View Nomination Form

In addition to the Awards Ceremony, the Town will host a Volunteer Fair where local community groups can meet with the public and discuss local volunteer opportunities.

Award Categories and Past Winners

The volunteer recognition program recognizes individual volunteers and community groups in a specific category for their contributions to the community. One individual award and one group award is available per category unless otherwise stated.

Awarded to an individual and/or group for contribution to the development, support, preservation or promotion of culture, music, visual, performing, or literary arts.
Past Winners
- 2025: No submissions
- 2024: Judy Shield
- 2023: The Arts & Culture Council
- 2022: Anthony Bauer
Awarded to an individual and/or group for contribution to the protection, preservation, beautification, awareness and/or promotion of our local environment.
Past Winners
- 2025: Jacob Proctor & Betty Muise
- 2024: Barry Tatchell & Stella Preshus Juhasz
- 2023: Kathryn Robson
- 2022: Lalita Devi
Awarded to an individual and/or group for contribution to heritage preservation, architectural conservation, research and/or interpretation of local heritage.
Past Winners
- 2025: No Submissions
- 2024: Royal Canadian Legion Beaver Valley Branch 281
- 2023: No Submissions
- 2022: Robert Burcher
Awarded to an individual and/or group for contribution to the promotion, development and/or support of recreation and/or sport in the community.
Past Winners
- 2025: Sarah Clarke
- 2024: Jessica Elkins
- 2023: Bruce King & Val Jones
- 2022: Lloyd Luckock
Recognizes one individual in each age category who, through their outstanding efforts and actions, have enhanced or improved our community. This award recognizes local champions of any age, who demonstrate what can be achieved with passion and determination.
Past Winners (Youth 25 and under)
- 2025: Parker Gordon
- 2024: No Submissions
- 2023: Calvin Bell
- 2022: Duncan Armstrong
Past Winners (Adult 26 and over)
- 2025: Pamela Spence & Tom Kennedy
- 2024: Linda Wykes
- 2023: Cathy Smart
- 2022: Cathy Innes
Recognizes a community group for its outstanding voluntary contribution to the well-being of our community.
Past Winners
- 2025: 599 Garden Club & Thornbury Sparks/Ember Unit
- 2024: The Marsh Street Centre
- 2023: Beaver Valley Outreach
- 2022: John Leckie - Meaford Hospital Board & Foundation
These awards were presented in the past but have been discontinued for future Volunteer Award Ceremonies.
Good Neighbour Award
Awarded to a Blue Mountains resident for their outstanding efforts and actions that have enhanced or improved our community.
Past Winners
- 2024: Sarah Beveridge
- 2023: Bill Abbotts
- 2022: Tim Bristow

2025 Volunteer Recognition Awards

The Town of The Blue Mountains hosted the 2025 Volunteer Recognition Awards & Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as part of National Volunteer Recognition Week.

Award Winners

The following individuals and organizations are the recipients of the 2025 Volunteer Recognition Awards:

Sustainability Award: Jacob Proctor & Betty Muise
Sports and Recreation Award: Sarah Clarke
Blue Mountains Community Builder Award (Youth under 26): Parker Gordon
Blue Mountains Community Builder Award (Adults 26+): Pamela Spence & Tom Kennedy
Outstanding Community Group Award: 599 Garden Club & Thornbury Sparks/Ember Unit