The Sixth Annual Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards took place on Thursday October 23rd, and was a truly inspiring evening that filled me with immense gratitude and pride.
I am humbled each year by the opportunity to recognize the incredible individuals, businesses, and organizations whose hard work and dedication make Ward 1 such a vibrant and caring community.
Congratulations to this year’s nominees and award recipients. It is an honour to celebrate all that you do. Below is a full list of this year’s winners across each category:
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
This award recognizes the endeavors of an exceptional individual or company who:
- creates exceptional products and services
- keep our local economies moving forward
- embodies the spirit of community
- values and demonstrates innovation
Winner: Laughtree Clearance Centre – Christine Ader
Customer Service Award
This award recognizes a business for:
- consistently exceeding customer or guest expectations
- exceptional service standards in our community
Winner: Village Pharmacy – Fahd Bahrani
Best Restaurant Award
This award is presented to a restaurant that provides:
- a most enjoyable overall guest experience
- high standards for food quality
- excellent customer service that enhances the dining experience
Winner: Posta Italbar Cucina
Artist of the Year Award
The Artist of the Year Award celebrates an individual whose artistic talent, creativity, and dedication have made a significant impact in our community through the arts.
Nominees should demonstrate not only artistic excellence, but also a commitment to sharing their work in ways that inspire, engage, or uplift others in Ward 1. Whether through performance, exhibitions, teaching, or community involvement, this award honours artists whose work enriches the cultural life of our neighbourhoods.
Let’s celebrate the creatives who bring colour, rhythm, and soul to our community. This award seeks to recognize:
– exceptional performances or composition
– pieces that captivate audiences with their talent
– artistic expression and creativity
Winner: Karen Colangelo
Good Neighbour Award
This award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual who positively influences their local community with:
- acts of kindness, and generosity
- community involvement and volunteerism
- assistance to neighbours in need
Winner: Kimberlee Hutchinson
Volunteer Award
Our city is built by those who give their time and expertise selflessly, expecting nothing in return. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in volunteering to make Ward 1 a better place to live, work, and play by:
- dedication and commitment to their cause
- impacting the community
- demonstrating leadership
- supporting vulnerable populations
- enriching the culture
- community engagement
Winner: Karen Priest
Youth Excellence Award
The Ward 1 Youth Excellence Award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of young people, ages 15 to 24, who are helping to shape and strengthen our community.
Whether through creative expression, academic achievement, athletic talent, a passion for volunteerism, or inspiring leadership, this award honours youth whose efforts and accomplishments have had a positive and lasting impact in Ward 1.
It’s a celebration of the young voices, hands, hearts, and intellect making a real difference where we live.
Winner: Hayley Tutty
Lifetime Achievement
Ward 1 would like to honour with great respect and admiration, an individual for their lifetime of support, promotion and vision for our community by demonstrating some or all of the following characteristics:
- advocacy and public service
- mentorship and guidance
- philanthropy and generosity
- resilience and perseverance
- inspiring future generations
Winner: Ric Cooper
Congratulations once again!
