Community Awards

• Arts & Culture - Xwalacktun (Rick Harry)

  Xwalacktun is being recognized for his exceptional contributions to the arts in West Vancouver.

  • Xwalacktun is a Squamish Nation artist whose works are recognized internationally. An accomplished artist in wood, paper, stone, glass, and metals.
  • Xwalacktun has been involved in the public education system since 1980, contributing to enhancing the experience of thousands of children and educators with song, dance, art, and storytelling.
  • Xwalacktun has participated in the Harmony Arts Festival for many years by supporting and mentoring artists at the carving tent
  • Xwalacktun has generously volunteered for many programs and events sharing the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) culture with the community and donating several works of art to various fundraising initiatives.
  • Recent significant works can be seen at the West Vancouver Community Centre (30-foot conference room panel), Capilano University (Chancellor’s mace), and West Vancouver Secondary School (welcome carving), among many others.
  • He is currently working on double doors for the West Vancouver school district.
• Heritage - Jennifer Clay

  Jennifer Clay is being recognized for her exceptional contribution to the preservation of North Shore’s heritage through conservation, projects, advocacy, and education.

  • Jennifer is currently the Vice President of the North Shore Heritage Preservation Society.
  • She is actively involved and passionate about saving heritage resources, buildings, and homes.
  •  Her friends and colleagues are enthusiastic about her passion, commitment, and dedication to all matters heritage, and her effort to bring attention to a wide variety of interesting heritage topics.
• Community Commitment

  Godfrey Lynum

  Godfrey Lynum, a lifelong resident of West Vancouver, is being recognized for his significant impact and substantial contribution to the well-being of the community.

  • Godfrey has significantly contributed to the West Vancouver Police Department for over 20 years. In 1994, he was instrumental in establishing Block Watch in his Ambleside neighbourhood.
  • Godfrey also volunteered for over 25 years with the West Vancouver Seniors' Centre.
  • In addition to his volunteer work, Godfrey is a committed philanthropist, making regular donations to charitable organizations such as the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, the Salvation Army, and West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation.
  •  Currently, he is co-sponsoring a local initiative to pronounce a Pay it Forward Day in West Vancouver.

  Yang Wang

  Yang Wang is being recognized for his dedication and leadership to local organizations, promoting cultural diversity and engagement in the community.

  • Yang has been a Director of the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce since 2018, where his support and leadership have contributed to the well-being of the business community.
  • Yang directed the visioning and the execution of the Chinese New Year events, collaborating to a broader involvement of the Asian community in events such as the Bridge Festival.
  • He is actively involved and taking leadership roles in a variety of non-profit organizations across the North Shore, including Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, Enhance West Van, and West Vancouver Foundation.

  Terri Green

  Terri Green is being recognized for her contributions to the community in different aspects, including sports, film, education, and youth events.

  • Terri Green has served on the board of the Enhance West Van since 2017, supporting different initiatives such as the Pumpkin Fest and the Forum for Dialogue and Learning, among others.
  • She has volunteered with the PAC and the DPAC during her children’s elementary school years.
  • Terri has also volunteered in the West Van Run and other sports events.
• Health, Wellness, & Activity

  Ruth Burr

  Ruth Burr is being recognized for her significant contribution to enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as active lifestyles in the community.

  • Ruth is the President of the West Van Football Club. Prior to taking on the role as president, Ruth was a team manager and also a director serving on the Board.
  • She has been a devoted contributor to the club and sees it as being more than just a sports club; she sees it as a major legacy project that will support children of all sports on the North Shore.
  • Despite the interruptions and the limitations that COVID-19 placed on all sports, West Van FC was able to continue providing safe programs, and ultimately even increasing their membership.
  • Ruth works passionately to ensure the soccer club provides a place of belonging and connection between players and parents, contributing to the well-being of many youths and adults in our community.
• Environment Award

  Freda Pagani

  Freda Pagani is being recognized for her active contributions to environmental stewardship, protection, and education.

  • Freda has been actively involved in a variety of non-profit organizations, including the West Vancouver Advisory Design Panel, the West Vancouver Advisory Planning Commission, and the West Vancouver Housing Working Group.
  • She was the founder and Director of Sustainability at UBC. As a member of Force of Nature North Shore, she advocated for more efficient and effective public bus transportation.
  • Freda has made major contributions through her participation in the West Vancouver Community Energy and Emissions Plan and the West Vancouver Climate Action Working Group.

  Lori Williams

  Lori Williams is being recognized for her outstanding contributions to environmental causes in our community.

  • Lori was chair of the Coastal Marine Management Working Group and participated in the Coastal Marine Management Plan report, which was approved by Council in February 2022.
  • She was part of the team that organized and hosted environmental all-candidates meetings prior to the last two elections.
  • Lori was co-chair of the working group that produced the Parks Master Plan in 2021, and of West Vancouver’s Invasive Plants Working Group.

  Peter Scholefield

  Peter Scholefield is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to address climate change and tireless advocacy for safe and convenient active transportation on the North Shore.

  • Peter’s ideas and views as an everyday user of a bicycle for transportation have helped shape notable improvements to the Spirit Trail, such as the Gleneagles-Horseshoe Bay section.
  • As a member of the West Vancouver Community Energy and Emissions Plan Working Group and the Community Plan Stakeholder Group, Peter supported positive actions to address the climate crisis.
  • Peter is the West Vancouver Liaison to the HUB Cycling North Shore Committee and President of the Gambier Island Conservancy, contributing to the protection of the near-shore ecology of Howe Sound and the Burrard Inlet.

2021 Community Award Recipients

• Arts & Culture - Felicia Zhu

  Felicia Zhu is being recognized for her exceptional contributions to the literary arts and to initiatives for cultural diversity.

  • Felicia has served six years in the West Vancouver Memorial Library Board and the Library’s Foundation performing several duties including chairing the Advocacy Committee.
  • Her work with encouraging newcomers to Canada to volunteer and serve on boards has allowed the Chinese-Canadian community to better integrate and simultaneously enrich West Vancouver.
  • Felicia has been an incredible resource to the West Vancouver Library by securing grants and fundraising for much-needed equipment and programs.
  • Active in other groups in West Vancouver such as the 4921 Reading Room programming, West Vancouver Scouts Committee and Ridgeview Elementary District Parent Advisory Committee, Felicia’s refreshing voice and new perspective is well-deserving of an Arts & Culture Community Award.
• Arts & Culture - Jennifer Webb

  Jennifer Webb is being recognized for her exceptional contributions to the arts and her drive for cultural vitality.

  • Jennifer Webb is a long-standing West Vancouver resident and supporter of the arts.
  • She has dedicated hundreds of hours over the past fifteen years to improving arts delivery in the community.
  • As a public relations and communications professional, Jennifer has shared her expertise on many committees including the former West Vancouver Museum Advisory Committee; the Arts Ambleside Committee; and as Co-Chair of the Arts Facility Advisory Committee.
  • As a member of the West Vancouver Museum Advisory Committee, Jennifer supported the Art Museum by being involved in the direction of the museum’s programming, helping redefine the museum’s mission statement, opening her home to the West Coast Modern Home Tour, and generously hosting fundraising and volunteer appreciation events.
  • Jennifer has played a leading role in navigating the vital initiative to build a purpose-built Arts Centre to house community arts programming in West Vancouver.
  • Jennifer’s dedication, generosity, professionalism and belief that West Vancouver can reach the highest standards in the Arts makes her a deserving recipient of an Arts & Culture Community award.
• Community Commitment - Beverley Sharpe

  Beverley is being recognized for her outstanding contribution and tireless volunteer efforts to West Vancouver.

  • Beverley has gifted countless acts of service towards community members and organizations in need of support such as the BCSPCA, Families of Early Autism Treatment of B.C., Quest, and many others.
  • As an invincible team, Beverley and her daughter Allison who was diagnosed with autism at age two, have devoted their lives to autism research and creating accessible treatment options.
  • Beverley organically built a community, providing resources, pathways and opportunities for others living with autism. 
  • In 2020, Beverley and Allison have each invested 500 volunteer hours at Quest, a not-for-profit food exchange on the North Shore.
  • Beverley has also volunteered with the West Vancouver BCSPCA since 2016, winning the Foster Volunteer of the Year Award in 2019.
  • At the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Beverley and Allison started a community project e-mailing over 60 neighbours offering services such as grocery or medication delivery, walking dogs, caring for cats, and offering their vehicles for drop off and pick up.
  • Beverley’s kindness, generosity and impact in the West Vancouver community make her a deserving recipient of a Community award in the Community Commitment category.
• Community Commitment - Cynthia Garton

  Cynthia Garton is being recognized for her outstanding leadership, volunteerism and dedication to the community.

  • Cynthia has demonstrated her generous commitment by serving as Vice-Chair on both the West Vancouver Memorial Library Board and the Library Foundation.
  • Her fundraising work with corporate sponsors secured tens of thousands of dollars in funding for the library and has been a profound contribution to the West Vancouver community.
  • Cynthia secured substantial donations for large print books, served on the planning committee for many successful Foundation author fundraiser events, and she has been an active liaison by connecting the library to other West Vancouver community groups.
  • Cynthia has a distinguished career in education and has also volunteered as an educational consultant to the James Cameron School, Board of Directors for 12 years. She spent two years on the provincial board of the Federation of Independent Schools Association of BC.
  • Cynthia truly embodies the definition of Community Commitment.
• Community Commitment - Tooka Shahriari

  Tooka is being recognized for her outstanding, volunteerism through community commitment and active citizenship.

  • Tooka began volunteering for the 3rd West Vancouver Scout Group in 2012 when her son joined the Beaver program and immediately became a critical member of the leadership team.
  • She executed innovative program ideas with talent and enthusiasm that was infectious to the rest of the group.
  • Her ingenuity and effort to add new programs and activities resulted in a significant enrollment increase in the Beaver program.
  • Tooka’s success earned her an appointment as Group Commissioner for the Scouts Group, responsible for all the Scouting Programming.
  • Since then, membership has increased 90% from previous years and is above average for Scout groups across Canada.
  • Tooka has introduced several group-wide initiatives such as professional day programs and summer camping trips that have enriched youth’s lives.
  • Tooka’s creative, hardworking and kind leadership makes her a deserving recipient of a Community Commitment Award.
• Community Commitment - May Loudon

  May is being recognized for her exceptional contribution, tireless effort and active citizenship.

  • May has been a committed and dedicated volunteer in West Vancouver since the early 1960s in various groups such as Guiding Movement, Nature House at Lighthouse Park, the Gleneagles Scottish Country Dance Club and West Vancouver Presbyterian Church.
  • May has been involved in numerous leadership roles in the West Vancouver Presbyterian Church since 1953.
  • She has volunteered with the Brownies and Guides and, while working with the Flower Guild, shared her artistic talent by creating incredible Thanksgiving displays that decorate the Church.
  • For the last six years, May headed the West Vancouver Presbyterian Church’s Knit and Natter group that met each Monday to knit items that were donated to local shelters and prayer shawls for sick and vulnerable members of the congregation.
  • Most recently, May and other members of the church saw the need to connect the community during the isolating times at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • She became a member of the Communications Team and received a grant from the West Vancouver Foundation to send cards to friends, neighbours, and members of the congregation.
  • May was able to hand paint 100 cards with encouraging messages to the community.
  • May’s deep love for West Vancouver and its people is an inspiration and a true example of active citizenship for anyone to strive for.
• Environment - Don Harrison

  Don Harrison is being recognized for his volunteer contribution to environmental stewardship, protection and education.

  • Don joined the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society eleven years ago.
  • During this time he received a Master of Arts Degree in Environmental Management and worked as a civil and environmental consulting engineer in the Greater Vancouver Area.
  • Don was appointed Team Leader for the Annual Streamkeeper Work Plan for four years.
  • Don has been part of countless Streamkeeper activities including educational programs for students from elementary to secondary levels.
  • His thoughtful and easy way of sharing information with others, no matter what age, is truly a gift.
  • Don has volunteered with the District of West Vancouver in many capacities outside of environmental conservation.
  • We are grateful for people like Don, who volunteer their time, skills and talent to nurture and maintain our treasured natural surroundings.
• Health, Wellness, & Activity and COVID-19 Pandemic Response - Coralynn Gehl

  Coralynn Gehl is being recognized for her active citizenship and outstanding dedication to promoting active lifestyles in the community.

  • Coralynn founded a Facebook Group called the Caulfeild Athletic Club in 2014, since then the group has attained 188 members who participate in weekly hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, walking and other outdoor activities.
  • Her aim is to bring people together while supporting active lifestyles.
  • The Facebook group has taken on a life of its own and Coralynn encourages members to use this platform to organize their own planned activities and groups.
  • She has created an avenue for people to share equipment, safety information, and knowledge while promoting well-being and stewardship of our environment.
  • As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Athletic Club was put on pause, however, a need for information and support through the community was evident.
  • Coralynn took the initiative to create another Facebook Group called the West Vancouver Covid-19 Information group.
  • Due to its popularity and expansion, the name was soon changed to the North Shore Covid-19 Information group.
  • This new platform now serves over 6,000 individuals and allows them to share local COVID-19 updates, exposure notices and has evolved to promote local business support.
  • Most recently the North Shore Covid-19 Information group now offers a method to share local vaccine opportunities.
  • Coralynn has created a space for people to dialogue with kindness and respect and has created a sense of community when it was most needed.
• Health, Wellness, & Activity and COVID-19 Pandemic Response - Enhance West Van Board

  Enhance West Van Board is being recognized for their exceptional dedication to enhancing the well-being of the community.

  • In April 2020, Enhance West Van Board started The Youth and Family Food Security program as an initiative to meet the dire need for food security during the pandemic.
  • Enhance West Van quickly recognized that the economic effects of COVID-19 posed a serious threat to food security to the community and immediately put forth a plan to support this issue by providing grocery gift cards to those in need.
  • Through grants, fundraising campaigns, corporate and donor gifts, Enhance West Van raised over $30,000 in 2020 to support the Youth and Family Food Security program.
  • An astounding 227 individual youth and their families have received support through this essential program.
  • The Enhance West Van Board’s contributions of supporting the community’s well-being have earned them a Health, Wellness & Activity and Covid-19 Pandemic response award.
• Health, Wellness, & Activity and COVID-19 Pandemic Response - West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre Fundraising Committee

  The West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre Fundraising Committee is being recognized for its “Feed the Need” program and its outstanding dedication to the well-being of the community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Recognizing the potential risk to the senior community during the pandemic, the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre team sprang into action establishing a Seniors’ Help Line at the very outset of the pandemic. They made phone calls to more than 350 individuals to assess which issues were of major concern.
  • It was quickly identified that food security was a prominent issue in this community.
  • The committee focused its efforts on fundraising and raising awareness about food security, loneliness, isolation, and other health risks in the senior population.
  • Once the needs were identified, efforts such as food delivery, handwritten letters, care packages and other supplies were quickly mobilized.
  • As the pandemic progressed, it became apparent that food security issues faced by the vulnerable population were not strictly related to the pandemic and were in fact part of an increasing demographic of “invisible poverty” on the North Shore.
  • The “Feed the Need” program launched an ongoing fundraising campaign that aims to raise over $200,000 annually to provide the over 250 vulnerable seniors with three nutritious meals per week for all of 2021.
• Heritage - Don Grant

  Don is being nominated for his contribution to West Vancouver’s cultural heritage through preservation and education.

  • Don was a lifetime resident of West Vancouver who passed away suddenly in February 2021 leaving his unforgettable legacy for future generations to continue.
  • Don Grant led the charge to preserve and promote the rich Heritage of West Vancouver’s mountain community by restoring the Hollyburn Ski Lodge.
  • His legacy also includes collecting, assembling, cataloguing and sharing the history of Vancouver’s North Shore mountains.
  • During his tireless efforts of over 20 years, Don created the Hollyburn Heritage Society website, which he used as a tool to preserve documents and pictures for future generations. He obtained and scanned over 5,000 photos and collected stories from community elders.
  • These achievements are only a portion of Don’s contribution to West Vancouver and we will forever cherish his generous dedication, work and invaluable role in the community.
• Heritage - Navvy Jack House Citizens Group

  The Navvy Jack House Citizens Group is being recognized for their significant contribution to the preservation of West Vancouver’s cultural heritage through conservation and advocacy.

  • The Navvy Jack Citizens Group prevented the demolition of a structure that represents the initial history of West Vancouver and, working closely with District staff, helped launch a drive to continue its historical use.
  • New research confirming that the house will be 150 years old in 2022 makes Navvy Jack House the oldest continually occupied building in West Vancouver.
  • The Navvy Jack House Citizen’s Group helped define a vision to create a self-supporting, inviting waterfront destination that highlights the community’s cultural and built heritage.
  • The Navvy Jack House Citizen Group is an outstanding example of volunteers coming together to address a significant need using constructive means.
• Heritage - West Coast Modern League

  The West Coast Modern League is being recognized for their contribution to the preservation of West Vancouver’s architectural heritage.

  • As an independent, volunteer-based, non-profit society, the West Coast Modern League is dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of West Coast modern architecture with a special focus in West Vancouver and the North Shore.
  • The West Coast Modern style is a distinct signature style of the area from the 1950s to 1980s that led to the transformation of design culture in Canada and is an important part of West Vancouver’s heritage.
  • Due to the desire for new and larger dwellings, many of these homes are being destroyed and their design legacy, lost.
  • Through the West Coast Modern League’s advocacy, they have increased awareness and educated the community on preserving these buildings.
  • The important work that the West Coast Modern League has done will protect West Coast architecture for generations and serve as an example of successful heritage advocacy.

2019 Community Award Recipients

• Arts & Culture - Fanny Patterson

  Fanny Patterson is being recognized for her exceptional contributions to the arts.

  • Fanny has served the West Vancouver Art Museum Advisory Committee since 2016, acting as Chair since 2018.
  • Fanny has been active in different projects of the Art Museum since 2011, including opening her home for the annual Modern Home Tour.
  • Fanny has raised funds for two endowments and raised over $10,000 for the West Vancouver Community Foundation.
  • Focused and forward-thinking, Fanny has been a force for the arts with her committed involvement to the Kay Meek Arts Centre and West Vancouver Memorial Library.
• Community Commitment - Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society

  Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society is being recognized for its outstanding contribution to community support and commitment.

  • The Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society is now the largest provider of below-market rentals for seniors of the North Shore.
  • The Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society has an expanded mandate to provide housing for low-income seniors, families and disabled individuals.
  • Today, the Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society owns and manages 634 rental units located on seven different properties.
  • The Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society has put enormous investments in volunteer time to propel developments through land acquisition, design and construction.
• Community Commitment - Gladys Lee

  Gladys Lee is being recognized for her active citizenship and outstanding dedication to the community.

  • A longtime resident of West Vancouver, Gladys has made her mark by serving her community through volunteerism and by capturing important moments through her camera lens.
  • Gladys is involved with the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, PumpkinFest, the Coho Festival, the Harmony Arts Festival and many others.
  • Gladys’s volunteer photography has been used as photographic records, archives and to illustrate events by several different organizations.
  • Events like the Harmony Arts Festival are honoured to have the support, warmth and enthusiasm that she consistently brings.
• Community Commitment - Hamid Najian

  Hamid is being recognized for his dedication and leadership to local community organizations.

  • Hamid is an outstanding representative of the Iranian community of the North Shore.
  • Hamid is one of the coordinators of the annual Iranian Fire Festival and Nature Festival in Ambleside Park, which attracts more than 10,000 participants each year.
  • Hamid is the Vice President for the Iranian Canadian Congress Society and has actively integrated countless Iranian newcomers into Canada.
• Community Commitment - Brian Hann

  Brian is being recognized for his significant contributions and tireless efforts.

  • Brian has significantly contributed to the community by being an essential part of the Kiwanis Club of West Vancouver.
  • Brian is an active member of the Seniors’ Activity Centre and West Vancouver United Church.
  • Brian is part of the Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society’s Board of Directors.
  • Brian volunteers his time with dedication, enthusiasm and positivism.
• Environment - Liz Leduc

  Liz is being recognized for her significant contribution to environmental stewardship, protection and education.

  • Liz joined the Streamkeepers Society in 2007 and has since been an active member.

  • Liz has helped the Streamkeepers Society in a number of programs such as storm drain painting with elementary school students, removal of invasive plants, assisting in community events and conducting salmon surveys.

  • Liz has had the responsibility of managing memberships, helping the Streamkeepers Society become the largest all-volunteer salmon stewardship organization in the province.

  • Liz has served as Co-Chair of the annual Streamkeepers Seaside Social, now celebrating it’s ninth year, held at the Hollyburn Sailing Club.

  • Liz has been a devoted contributor to the initiative to develop a nature centre in West Vancouver.
• Heritage - Heritage Club Games Committee

  The Heritage Club Games Committee is being recognized for its exceptional contribution to the preservation of West Vancouver’s cultural heritage through conservation, projects, education and advocacy.

  • The Heritage Club Games is successfully preserving our heritage by bringing together the three oldest sports clubs in West Vancouver: West Vancouver Tennis Club, West Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club and Hollyburn Sailing Club.

  • The inaugural Heritage Club Games fundraiser took place on August 17, 2019, with all proceeds donated to the West Vancouver Foundation and Athletics4Kids.

  • The event attracted 22 teams and was supported by 50 dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic spectators.

2018 Community Award Recipients

• Arts & Culture - Hey Jung Choi

  Hey Jung Choi is being recognized for her exceptional contribution to the performing arts.

  • Hey Jung Choi is an accomplished concert pianist with a Bachelor of Piano Performance and a Master of Music Piano Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in California, now giving her time, skill and knowledge to enrich the musical experience of members of the community
  • Hey Jung supports the choirs at Hollyburn Elementary School and the West Vancouver School District Honours Choir
  • Hey Jung hosts private concerts at the Silk Purse, performs at Kay Meek Arts Centre fundraisers and helps with seniors’ sing-a-longs at Summerhill and Hollyburn Retirement Homes
• Arts & Culture - Karen Fowlie

  Karen Fowlie is being recognized for her exceptional contribution to the performing arts.

  • Karen has created and assisted in many community events to establish performance opportunities for musicians of all ages
  • From 2010–17, Karen co-created nine variety shows showcasing the talents of local musicians in Hugo’s Restaurant and Caulfeild Cove Hall
  • In 2017, Karen created the Fowlie and Friends Entertainment Society with a mission to foster and support the growth of live music and developing musicians. The society brought a free concert honouring the Canadian Women in Song to Horseshoe Bay’s Canada Day celebrations
  • In 2017, Karen wrote and produced a Christmas play featuring 14 local talents that was performed at Kay Meek Arts Centre
• Health, Wellness, & Activity - Bill Sparling

  Bill Sparling is being recognized for his exceptional contribution to enhancing the mental, physical and emotional well-being and active lifestyles in the community.

  • Bill has dedicated countless hours to soccer in West Vancouver leading soccer teams at the provincial and national level, serving on the board of the BC Youth Soccer Association for 35 years and, in 1969, he helped found the national Canadian Youth Soccer Association
  • In 2010, Bill became President of the West Vancouver Football Club with a focus to build community and inclusion
  • In 2017, Bill was awarded the President’s Award for soccer at Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards for his contribution of volunteerism, dedication, commitment and energy to the sport in BC
  • In recent years, Bill assisted with the renaming of Ambleside  Field B to the Fred Jopson Field in honour of the long-time West Vancouver resident and contributor to youth soccer at the local, provincial and national levels
• Environment - Sherry Parrott

  Sherry is being recognized for her significant contribution to environmental stewardship, protection and education.

  • Sherry has acted as Chair of the Coho Society of the North Shore for the last six years, and she has dedicated her time to organizing the Coho Festival
  • Sherry spends, on average, 200 hours per year organizing the logistics of this widely popular event which attracts over 10,000 attendees
  • Sherry spearheads the Coho Festival’s Organizing Committee, transforming the way the event is organized and managed
  • In addition to her work with the Coho Festival, Sherry has volunteered for the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society and has sat on the board of the West Vancouver Memorial Library
• Environment - Hugh Hamilton

  Hugh is being recognized for his significant contribution to environmental stewardship, protection and education.

  • Hugh has a long and illustrious history of volunteering with stewardship organizations since 1999. He has played many key roles such as President of the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society, President of the Old Growth Conservancy Society and Funding Director of the West Vancouver Nature House Society
  • Hugh has been a member of Nature Vancouver since 1997, leading summer camps and acting as a resource for locating camps. In recognition of his dedication amongst many other contributions, he has been awarded the Ney Award for lifetime exemplary service
  • Hugh contributes significantly to environmental education at the secondary and elementary school levels to help raise awareness of the risk of polluting streams
  • Hugh holds educational guided tours for the Old Growth Conservancy Society and volunteers and has led the annual Christmas bird count for decades
• Community Commitment - Nassreen Filsoof

  Nassreen is being recognized for her excellence through community commitment, leadership and active citizenship.

  • Over the last 30+ years, Nassreen has spent countless hours volunteering for the betterment of the community, acting as the Director of the West Vancouver Community Foundation and assisting in fundraising and outreach to the Iranian community
  • Nassreen started her volunteerism by introducing the first Iranian New Year Norooz celebration at Sentinel Secondary School, a multicultural celebration still celebrated at the school to this day
  • Nassreen became the Vice President and the Fundraising Director of the Iranian Canadian Cultural Association
  • In 2005, Nassreen established the Canadian Iranian Foundation with an aim to facilitate the social and cultural integration of newly arrived immigrants to Canada
  • Nassreen’s dedication and commitment to volunteer work and efforts to enrich our community have won her many prestigious awards and nominations
• Community Commitment - Christine Banham

  Christine is being recognized for her active citizenship and outstanding dedication to the community.

  • Christine is a member of the District of West Vancouver’s Community Grants Committee and, in 2017, she spearheaded the work to revise the policy framework for the Community Grants Program with a goal of making it more accessible to organizations without charitable status
  • Christine is a volunteer Director and Treasurer at the West Vancouver Memorial Library
  • Christine chaired Metro Vancouver community engagement for the new sewage treatment plant in North Vancouver
  • Christine is an engaged citizen who has served West Vancouver well by listening, seeking to understand the issues, and proposing workable, balanced solutions
• Community Commitment - Christopher Loat

  Christopher is being recognized for his outstanding dedication and leadership to local community organizations.

  • Christopher has served on the Rotary Club of West Vancouver for approximately 18 years, actively educating youth on values and ethics
  • Christopher participates in many community events and projects such as Community Day, West Vancouver Police
  • Pulling Together Canoe Journey, PumpkinFest, Operation Red Nose and North Shore Rescue
  • Christopher is involved with the West Vancouver Otters Swim Club and is a strong voice for the Ambleside Youth Centre
  • As a board member of the West Vancouver Community Foundation, Christopher oversees the growth and stewardship of donated and managed funds and the distribution of grants
• Community Commitment - Steve Allen

  Steve is being recognized for his outstanding contribution and tireless efforts at North Shore Emergency Management (NSEM).

  • Steve has been a volunteer with NSEM since 2011 and he is often the first NSEM volunteer to arrive at disaster events
  • Steve is one of the lead volunteers on special projects such as disaster transportation for NSEM
  • Steve always puts others’ needs first, whether helping evacuees after they have lost everything in a house fire, supporting his team of volunteers or assisting in the safe operation of community events
  • Steve has spearheaded the creation of a safety plan for all volunteer groups under the NSEM umbrella
• Community Commitment - West Vancouver Police Victim Services Volunteers

  The West Vancouver Police Victim Services team is being recognized for their outstanding contribution of community support and community commitment.

  • Volunteers of the West Vancouver Police Victim Services provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention and follow-up support to those impacted by crime or trauma
  • They work alongside police officers to deliver needed emotional support and practical assistance when a tragedy occurs
  • These dedicated volunteers give two to three shifts per month and a 12-hour on-call shift to provide crisis response 365 days per year, 24 hours per day to the West Vancouver community, putting in 5,616 hours of standby time per year awaiting calls to assist police and the community
  • Volunteers also put in approximately 416 hours per year in the office providing administrative support and follow-up
• Community Commitment - Julia Zhou

  Julia is being recognized for her active citizenship and outstanding dedication to the community.

  • Having worked as an environmental lawyer internationally, Julia has excellent communication skills in both English and Mandarin and has volunteered her time providing translation, both written and verbal, to assist the Chinese-speaking community with participating in the wider community
  • Julia is a volunteer Director of the British Properties Area Homeowners’ Association and has volunteered on the West Vancouver Community Engagement Committee, providing translation and extensive outreach to Chinese residents in the community
  • Julia collaborated with the District’s Director of Engineering & Transportation to organize and translate a workshop on transportation issues on the North Shore
• Community Commitment - Victoria Mendes & Kyra William Smiljanic

  Victoria Mendes and Kyra Williams Smiljanic are being recognized for their dedication and outstanding contributions to our community.

  • In 2012, a group of École Pauline Johnson parents created the PJ Outdoor Learning & Community Park Committee to create a forward-thinking, multi-use outdoor environment for educational innovation
  • Kyra and Victoria were instrumental in spearheading the project through community partnerships and member involvement
  • Through Kyra and Victoria’s vision and dedication, the PJ Outdoor Learning & Community Centre became a reality for community members to enjoy the outdoor amphitheatre, wetlands, Grand Allee and healing circle

2017 Community Award Recipients

• Arts & Culture – West Vancouver Community Arts Council Volunteers

  West Vancouver Community Arts Council volunteers are being recognized for exceptional contributions to visual and performing arts.

  • The Silk Purse Gallery (home of the West Vancouver Community Arts Council) relies on the 45 volunteers who donate over 1,700 hours per year.
  • Most volunteers have given between 5 and 25 years of service.
  • Volunteers greet visitors to the Silk Purse, provide information about exhibits, process sales in the gallery and Art Box, sell tickets to concerts, and install art exhibits.
  • Volunteers raise the profile for the arts by bringing awareness to the greater community.
• Community Commitment – Dal McCrindle

  Dal McCrindle is being recognized for his active citizenship and dynamic participation.

  • Dal conducts the annual Remembrance Ceremony at the West Vancouver War Memorial and serves as chaplain for the Royal Canadian Legion.
  • He has been an enthusiastic Fit Fellas Instructor for many years.
  • He leads the Senior Senators, a group of senior men recuperating and dealing with infirmity.
  • Dal is an Honorary Pastor for Fit Fellas, conducting services or offering prayers for members who have passed away.
• Community Commitment – Wendy Janz

  Wendy Janz is being recognized for her leadership and outstanding contributions to our community.

  • Wendy has dedicated her talents and provided leadership at the Seniors’ Activity Centre (SAC) for 17 years.
  • Wendy initiated SACS on 21st, a gift shop at the Seniors’ Activity Centre featuring donated items available for purchase.
  • In the first 12 months of operations, SACS on 21st raised $60K that was used to fund projects within the Seniors’ Activity Centre.
  • Wendy spends approximately 30 hours a week in the centre and countless hours outside working with the business sector, other volunteers and residents.
• Community Commitment – Dianne Allan

  Dianne Allan is being recognized for her long history of outstanding volunteerism in a variety of organizations throughout the community.

  • Dianne has been involved with Girl Guides for 30 years in a variety of positions including volunteering at the Nature House in Lighthouse Park.
  • Dianne volunteers at the Lions Gate Hospital Thrift Shop and uses her skills to educate in the hospital’s diabetes clinic.
  • She works in the kitchen and as a cashier at the Seniors’ Activity Centre.
  • Dianne has volunteered backstage, working with props and sets, at Theatre West Van for the past three years and has volunteered extensively at a local church.
• Community Commitment – Jo-Ann Wood

  Jo-Ann Wood is being recognized for her dedication to and leadership in local community organizations.

  • Jo-Ann is the current chair of the North Shore Hospice Society and the North Shore Hospice and Palliative Project.
  • Jo-Ann is a member of the board of directors and Planned Giving Committee of the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.
  • She chaired many events as a member of the West Vancouver Library Foundation Board of Directors and the Library Strategic Planning Committee.
  • Jo-Ann was a three-year term chair of the board of directors, chair of the 25th Anniversary Committee Celebrations and chair of the Grants Committee of the West Vancouver Community Foundation.
• Community Commitment – Eric R. Keller

  Eric Keller is being recognized for his active citizenship and dedication to the community.

  • Beginning in the mid-1970s, Eric encouraged boys and girls towards competition, skill learning and sportsmanship through his many roles in the West Vancouver Soccer Club.
  • As a dedicated Lion, Eric has served virtually every position including Club President, Zone Chair, Youth Exchange Director, Council-of-Governors and more.
  • As a result of Eric’s leadership and hours of volunteerism, the Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club has raised approximately $100k, each year, for the last few years from projects such as the Christmas tree sales in Ambleside Park and managing the overflow parking lot in Horseshoe Bay.
  • Funds raised have supported many community projects including the Ambleside play area, Hollyburn Family Services, North Shore Search and Rescue, West Vancouver Lawn Bowling and many more.
• Community Commitment – Goli Massah

  Goli Massah is being recognized for her active citizenship and a commitment to improving quality of life.

  • Goli noticed excess foods being discarded by grocery operators so she organized and convinced stores to donate their excess produce and food to her organization ‘Why Waste?’ for distribution to those in need.
  • Weekly, Goli and her team of volunteers collect food from IGA in Dundarave to deliver to shelters and charities.
  • The North Shore Lookout Shelter has benefited from these food donations for over five years.
  • Some of the food is donated to the group, The Cascadia Society for Social Working, a life sharing community for people with special abilities in North Vancouver, who prepare soup for the less fortunate.
• Heritage – West Vancouver Fire Service Museum and Archives Society

  The West Vancouver Fire Service Museum and Archives Society volunteers are being recognized for their exceptional contributions to preservation of West Vancouver’s heritage.

  • 50 -60 dedicated retirees from the West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services (WVFR) are committed to maintaining and sharing the heritage of the West Vancouver Fire Department with the community.
  • In 2004, volunteers constructed the Fire Museum Building, which is currently manned by a core group of 6-10 volunteers.
  • The Museum is available for public viewings and tours by schools, groups and clubs.
  • Volunteers are active participants in parades and special community events.
  • Volunteers are constantly engaged in ongoing restoration projects of original WVFR equipment.
• Heritage – Elaine Graham

  Elaine Graham is being recognized for her contributions to the preservation of heritage through education and advocacy.

  • Elaine helped establish the Nature House at the Lighthouse Park and founded an ongoing nature program to train guide leaders.
  • In 1998, Elaine created the Lighthouse Park Preservation Society, and currently sits on the board, edits the society’s newsletter, and coordinates a speaker series at the West Vancouver Memorial Library.
  • As a member of the Point Atkinson Light Station subcommittee, she acquired the Heritage BC grant to preserve the iconic lighthouse, World War II powerhouse and fog alarm building.
  • Elaine set up the open house of the light station to celebrate the Canada 150; a celebration including tours, storytelling, informative talks and even a puppet show for the kids.
• Health, Wellness, & Activity – Vi Roden

  Vi Roden is being recognized for her contributions to physical and emotional well-being and encouraging active lifestyles in the community.

  • As an active Seniors’ Activity Centre Board Member for 13 years, Vi worked at program development, such as the Keep Well program and the Seniors’ Mall Program, to help keep seniors active, healthy and living fulfilling lives.
  • Vi successfully applied for and received grants that helped fund services for the frail and shut-in seniors.
  • Vi spearheaded the first fundraiser for the Seniors' Activity Centre raising $100K in six months and enabling the centre to purchase the first seniors’ bus. Vi later helped fundraise $300K to expand the centre to include the lounge and cafeteria.
  • Vi was appointed to the Youth Drug Prevention Municipal Task Force for the West Vancouver School District that resulted in the hiring of the professional staff member dedicated to the prevention of drug use and providing education programs for teachers and parents.
• Health, Wellness, & Activity – Barrie Chapman

  Barrie Chapman is being recognized for volunteer contributions enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and encouraging active lifestyles in the community.

  • Barrie took leadership of the Fit Fellas program in the 1990s and has grown membership from 70 to 190 participants today.
  • Barrie leads classes twice per week and has trained seven other instructors.
  • Under Barrie’s leadership, the Canadian Federal Government recognized the Fit Fellas as one of the most successful senior men’s exercise programs in Canada. In 2016, the Fit Fellas were honoured by the UBC School of Kinesiology.
  • Barrie builds relationships among men with diverse personal and professional experiences and has fostered a group of active men who raise funds to give back to community organizations.
• Health, Wellness, & Activity – Meals on Wheels

  The Meals on Wheels volunteers are being recognized for contributions enhancing the mental and healthy well-being of vulnerable individuals.

  • The majority of the team of 40 volunteers have been delivering meals for at least 5-10 years.
  • In 2016, volunteers prepared and delivered 3,500 meals in West Vancouver, making an average of 30 home visits each week.
  • Volunteers pick up meals from a restaurant supplier and deliver them to the kitchen where they assemble meals for deliveries by volunteers.
  • When delivering meals, volunteers take the time to develop a relationship with the person receiving a meal. Volunteers may be the first to notice if something is amiss with the client and are able to pass the information on to loved ones.

Previous Community Award Recipients

• 2016 Community Award Recipients

  West Vancouver honoured seven individuals and three groups with Community Awards on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at a special awards presentation at the Kay Meek Centre for Performing Arts. 

  The awards were presented by members of West Vancouver Council, with winners selected by the District’s Awards Committee.

  Arts & Culture

  • Ferry Building Gallery Volunteers

  Community Commitment

  • Joan Townsend
  • Mary Bayes
  • Michael Markwick
  • West Vancouver BC SPCA Volunteers

  Environment

  • David Cook

  Health, Wellness & Activity

  • Hershel and Marguerite Hardin

  Heritage

  • Bas Collins
  • Hollyburn Lodge Renewal Project volunteers
• 2015 Community Award Recipients

  Arts & Culture

  • Liane Dickson
  • Chris Stringer
  • Urszula Sulinska

  Civic Commitment

  • Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club
  • Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise
  • Robert Clark
  • James Stout
  • Carolanne Reynolds
  • Friends of the Library

  Environment

  • Alexandra Mancini

  Health, Wellness & Activity

  • Jane Baynham
  • Mike Cupit

  Heritage

  • David Barker
• 2014 Community Award Recipients

  Arts & Culture

  • Jill McRae 

  Civic Commitment

  • Andy Krawczyk 
  • Colin Millar
  • Nicole Brown

  Environment

  • Jim Torry
  • Mike Castle

  Health, Wellness & Activity

  • Poran Poregbal 
  • RCM SAR Station 1
  • Tim Mason

  Heritage

  • Penny Mitchell
• 2013 Community Award Recipients

  Arts Award

  • Ingunn Kemble
  • Barbara Kaiser

  Environment Award

  • Bill McAllister – Environment

  Heritage Award

  • Ann Brousson

  Civic Engagement Award

  • Chris & Irene Nemeth – Civic Commitment
  • Bill Drake  - Civic Commitment
  • Barbara Brink – Civic Commitment
• 2012 Community Award recipients

  Arts Award

  • Merla Beckerman
  • Doug MacCaulay

  Environment Award

  • Elspeth and Ray Bradbury
  • Elizabeth Hardy
  • John Nightingale
  • Environmental Protection Network
  • Shoreline Preservation Society

  Heritage Award

  • Rod Day
• 2011 Community Award Recipients

  Environmental Award

  • Alan Bardsley
  • John Barker
  • Tara Stafford
  • Katharine Steig
  • Walter Thorneloe

  Heritage Award

  • Hollyburn Ridge Association
  • West Vancouver Historical Society