City honours outstanding citizens at Awards of Excellence

June 23, 2014

“Vancouver is made exceptional by the inspiring people who live, work, and contribute their ideas and talents here,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson.

Mayor Gregor Robertson and members of Vancouver City Council hosted the first ever Vancouver Awards of Excellence this evening to honour select youth, individuals, organizations, and businesses for their contributions to the city.

About the Awards of Excellence

The Awards of Excellence is a new civic awards program developed to celebrate those who make Vancouver a greener, healthier, more diverse, accessible and prosperous city. The recipients of the awards were nominated by the public, recommended by a peer review committee, and confirmed by City Council, who assessed their influence, impact and achievements.

“Vancouver is made exceptional by the inspiring people who live, work, and contribute their ideas and talents here,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson.

“The City of Vancouver’s Awards of Excellence honour the contributions of exceptional people making Vancouver a healthier, greener, more inclusive, and more prosperous community. On behalf of my colleagues on City Council, I would like to congratulate all of tonight’s honourees and thank them for their leadership in building a better Vancouver.”

Freedom of the City Award recipients

The City also presented its highest honour, the Freedom of the City award, to Jim Pattison and Judy Graves.

“It is also a great privilege to recognize both Judy Graves and Jim Pattison with the Freedom of the City – Vancouver’s highest honour – for their lifetimes of extraordinary work in our community. In each case, Vancouver would not be all that it is today without their tireless endeavours to build a stronger city,” saud Mayor Robertson.

Awards of Excellence recipients

The winners of the 2014 Vancouver Awards of Excellence are:

Mayor’s Achievement

The Mayor’s Achievement Award recognizes remarkable dedication and significant contributions towards improving the quality of life for the citizens of Vancouver.

Youth: Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School Senior Boys’ Basketball Team
Individual: Katrina Pacey
Organization: Khalsa Diwan Society

Accessible City

The Accessible City Award honours outstanding leadership to enhance accessibility, inclusion, and elimination of barriers to full participation for persons with disabilities.

Youth: Darwin Balino
Individual: Greg Pyc
Organization: Kettle Friendship Society

Civic Volunteer

The Civic Volunteer Award recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions to a City of Vancouver Board or Committee.

Youth: Mabel James

Individual: Wendy Williams

Organization: Vancouver Remembrance Day Committee

Diversity and Inclusion

The Diversity and Inclusion Award celebrates outstanding leadership to foster inclusion across diverse communities.

Youth: Diego Cardona
Individual: Chief Dr. Robert Joseph
Organization: QMUNITY

Greenest City Leadership

The Greenest City Leadership Award recognizes individuals or groups who enhance or advance the City’s Greenest City Action Plan goals.

Youth: Aaron Leung
Individual: Louise Schwarz
Organization: Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society

Healthy City for All

The Healthy City for All Award pays tribute to outstanding leadership, by an individual or organization, in working towards creating a healthier city.

Youth: Raymond (Zi Hao) Wu

Individual: Dr. Michael Krausz

Organization: Ending Violence Association of BC – EVA BC

Business Innovation

The Business Innovation Award recognizes contributions to Vancouver in the areas of economic impact and business leadership.