Three weeks left to nominate Kelowna's citizens and organizations for Civic & Community Awards
News Release
For the past 50 years, the Civic & Community Awards have recognized and celebrated the best in our community. From accomplished athletes and artists, inspiring volunteers and environmental stewards, to our philanthropic businesses and non-profit organizations, their work has helped make Kelowna the best place to live. Help us thank and celebrate these outstanding individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations by submitting a nomination for the 51st annual Civic & Community Awards. The nomination deadline is only three weeks away, Monday, Feb. 9.
“The Civic Awards are an opportunity to celebrate individuals, groups and businesses that have made a positive difference in our community. Whether through arts and culture, sports and recreation, environmental protection, social justice, or community service, we want to hear about the people and organizations that inspired you in 2025,” says Chris Babcock, Event Development Manager.
Civic & Community Award nomination categories include:
- Sarah Donalda-Treadgold & Fred Macklin Memorial Award – Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Champion for the Environment
- Corporate Community of the Year
- Honour in the Arts
- Teen Honour in the Arts
- Bob Giordano Memorial Award – Volunteer Coach or Sport Administrator of the Year
- Bryan Couling Memorial Award - Athletic Team of the Year
- Male & Female Athlete of the Year
- Central Okanagan Foundation‘s Volunteer Organization of the Year
All three finalists for the Young Citizen of the Year Award will receive funding towards their post-secondary goals through the Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Fund Youth Scholarship. This award's recipient will receive $2,000 and the remaining finalists will receive $1,000.
The recipient for Teen Honour in the Arts will also receive a $500 entrance scholarship to UBC Okanagan, sponsored by the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies.
In addition, the recipient for the Central Okanagan Foundation’s Volunteer Organization of the Year will receive a $3,000 donation from the Central Okanagan Foundation.
The Civic & Community Award nominees will be celebrated at an evening gala to be held in April 2026. Nomination forms are due by Feb. 9, 2026.
For more information about the awards, including nomination forms, visit kelowna.ca/civicawards.
