Any youth, adult or senior in the Municipality of North Grenville who willingly volunteers their time to benefit others is eligible for an award provided that they live in, operate a business in or volunteer within the boundaries of the Municipality. 

Please note that the Civic Awards do not recognize individuals for personal successes or professional achievements. As well, nominations by immediate family members, self-nominations, and posthumous nominations will not be accepted. 

Civic Awards may be awarded to one volunteer in each of the designated age groups for each of the award categories.

Age Groups

• Youth (25 years and younger)
• Adult (26 to 55 years)
• Senior (56 years and older)
• Group award in the following listed categories:

Award Categories

1. Arts and Culture
   Volunteer efforts in culture, visual, performing or literary arts.
2. Agricultural Leadership
   Volunteers who have championed community-driven agricultural initiatives within North Grenville.
3. Citizen of the Year Award
   Presented annually to one individual (any age) who has demonstrated all-around community involvement and service.
4. Compassionate Care Award
   Volunteer efforts, individual or group, demonstrating creativity in compassionate care, recognizing imagination, originality, innovation or artistic expressions of care.
5. Exemplary Work in the Community
   Volunteers or groups of volunteers who have made outstanding, long-term volunteer contributions in our community.
6. Environment
   Volunteer efforts that relate to the protection, preservation, beautification, awareness and/or promotion of our local environment.
7. Health and Wellness
   Volunteer efforts promoting healthy lifestyles, personal well-being, health and wellness.
8. Heritage
   Volunteer efforts respecting research, interpretation of local heritage, heritage preservation or architectural conservation.
9. Recreation, Sport & Leisure
   Volunteer efforts in the promotion, organization, sponsorship or motivation of sports, recreation and leisure pursuits for healthy and active living.
10. Seniors
    For volunteer efforts whose actions, commitment, service and community spirit has made a difference in the lives of seniors residing in our community.
11. Volunteer of the Year Award
    Presented annually to one individual (any age) who has made exceptional voluntary contributions to the community.
12. Youth
    For volunteer efforts whose actions, commitment, service and community spirit has made a difference in the lives of youths residing in our community.

A Civic Awards Package and Nomination Form (paper copy) is available (only during nomination period) at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Reception Desk during regular office hours, and at the North Grenville Public Library (1 Water St., Kemptville) OR you can fill out the nomination form online. (Nomination period closed Wednesday, February 26, 2025).

Nominators should include enough information to give the Civic Awards Selection Committee a general overview of the nominee's character (or group name and particulars) and the impact of their volunteer service. Each nomination form must include a short summary.

Please provide the following information (no more than two pages) relating to the nominee's contribution or accomplishments:

• A brief summary describing why you are nominating this individual or group.
• Outline the activities and accomplishments of the volunteer or group. 
• Provide examples of the impact the volunteer service has made in the community or to the quality of someone’s life.
• Describe how the volunteerism demonstrates the spirit of volunteering, giving back to community and how it has contributed to building a stronger community. 

Please do not send any additional documentation such as certificates, photographs and/or testimonials; they will not be forwarded to Council.

All nomination forms and supporting material become the property of the Municipality of North Grenville upon submission and will not be returned. 

Note:  Nominators should retain a copy of their submission for reference.

The deadline to submit 2025 nominations is Deadline February 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

In Person: 
Forms may be dropped off at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Reception Desk. 

By Mail: 
Municipality of North Grenville
PO Box 130
285 County Road 44
Kemptville ON K0G 1J0

By E-mail:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Online:
Fill out the online nomination form.

Personal information contained on the attached form(s) is collected under authority of the Municipal Act RSO 1990, c.M.45, s.207 (45). Information collected will only be used to evaluate nominees and notify recipients of the Municipality of North Grenville Civic Awards Program.

For further information, please contact: Clerk's Department, Municipality of North Grenville, P.O. Box 130, 285 County Rd 44, Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0, telephone: (613) 258-9569 ext. 171 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The 2023 Civic Awards ceremony and reception occurred on March 28, 2024.  Watch the video of the ceremony here. 

The 2023 Civic Awards were awarded to the following individuals and organizations: 

Recreation, Sport and Leisure (Adult): Noel Donovan

From the very start of the Kemptville Winter Trail (KeWi), Noel has been indispensable to its operation by grooming the trails. Noel embodies the spirit of volunteering through his understanding of a free, multi-use groomed winter trail and how it serves community residents and visitors. And he does it all in a cheerful, pleasant and positive manner, with a calm, quiet ‘get ‘er done’ demeanour. The success of the Kemptville Winter Trail is due in exceptionally large part to Noel‘s efforts and he is a highly valued, greatly appreciated, and indispensable member of the KeWi team.

Recreation, Sport and Leisure (Senior): Mitch Barsalou

For the past ten years, Mitch Barsalou has been a dedicated Board and Club member of the North Grenville Curling Club (NGCC). Under his leadership, the club recovered from the COVID closure with increased membership, hosted the return of the Women's Fall Classic (a bonspiel showcasing world-class curlers), opened the facility for very popular summer pickleball leagues and teamed with the municipality to provide a venue for the YMCA summer camp. The result is a financially viable sports facility run by volunteers which serves the local community.

Recreation, Sport and Leisure (Youth): Jordan Turcotte

Jordan is a youth hockey coach for U9CompB Storm team. In addition to his on-ice coaching, he organizes activities for the team to give back to the community. Jordan has been able to bring a group of girls together to work as a team and support each other both on and off the ice. Jordan has put an enormous amount of time and effort to ensure the girls have the best development possible and build life skills along the way. By donating his time he has made this one of the best seasons for many girls on his hockey team.

Recreation, Sport and Leisure (Group): Jessica Beairsto and Jason Kirkbride of Kemptville Minor Football Club

In 2022 Jessica Beairsto and Jason Kirkbride took on the responsibility of the Kemptville Minor Football Club – otherwise know as JAGS. They continued this program to ensure the kids in the community had opportunity to play football. By setting such a strong example of volunteerism, more families in the Jags community have stepped up to volunteer and help out. The program has brought together a group of volunteers that are passionate about providing children with the opportunity to play football. This could not have been accomplished without Jason and Jess stepping up to the line of scrimmage (aka plate).

Environment (Senior): Claude Smith

Claude Smith selflessly gives her time and is dedicated to the promotion, use and engagement of the community in the involvement of the Kemptville Greenhouse. Under Claude's guidance, the Kemptville Campus Community Greenhouse has become a hub of community activity, including: regular workshops on a range of topics related to horticulture and Greenhouse agriculture; workshops for school kids; getting kids and teenagers interested in agriculture, providing space for a monthly nature journaling club; bi-weekly habitat gardeners group; an annual Christmas market, seed swap event and numerous plant sales. She even founded a unique “babysitting” service in which people can bring their plants to overwinter in the greenhouse.  Under Claude's guidance, the Kemptville Campus Community Greenhouse has become a valuable community space.

Health and Wellness (Senior): Connie Parsons

Connie Parsons has been a longtime volunteer of Kemptville District Hospital. She is the Past President and currently serves as Volunteer Coordinator. As Volunteer Coordinator she helps to recruit and train volunteers. Volunteers help in many ways at Kemptville District Hospital and contribute to its overall success. Connie is passionate about her work and has been a dedicated volunteer.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Adult): Katy Ferguson

Katy has spent over 14 years with an estimated 1,000+ hours volunteering with many local groups and clubs supporting children in our community.  Katy has spent many years on Parent Council at both Holy Cross and St. Michael’s. With the money raised through the fundraising events she helped organize, students started new clubs and groups, replaced dated uniforms, replaced and purchased sports equipment and safety equipment, and made school trips more affordable. She was the smiling face greeting you at the St. Mike’s Christmas Craft Sale, and working hard to make the event a huge success. Katy is the kind of volunteer who is always working hard in the background making things happen and touching people’s lives in a positive way. Through her dedication, she has encouraged others to volunteer and get involved.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Senior): Cora Beking

Cora volunteers on many community initiatives with the Rotary Club, Christian Reformed Church, Habitat for Humanity and many more. You can also find Cora volunteering at a number of community events such as Kemptville Live or the Plowing Match. She has raised funds for projects, led many initiatives with Rotary and not to mention – has donated many cases of eggs from Beking's Egg Farm to organizations like House of Lazarus and the Sweatheart Brunch Fundraiser, organized by the Knights of Columbus. She contributes anyway she can but never seeks recognition.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Senior): Linda Carnegie

Linda exemplifies the spirit of dedication, generosity, and service that defines our community. As Past President of the Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary, she spearheaded numerous successful fundraising events, showcasing her leadership and commitment to improving healthcare in our region. Her volunteer work at Holy Cross School and with Beth Donovan Hospice on the Board of Directors has touched countless lives and enriched our community in profound ways. 

Earlier this year, Linda was awarded The Ontario Senior Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their communities through voluntary or professional activities after the age of 65. Linda was one of only 20 recipients in the province to have received this incredible recognition. We are so grateful to have her working tirelessly for our community!

Exemplary Work in the Community (Group): Community Living North Grenville

Community Living North Grenville supports over 100 people with developmental disabilities throughout North Grenville to promote dignity and inclusion, and support people in all aspects of life in the community. Oftentimes when you see someone with a developmental disability around town, volunteering, working, enjoying recreation, shopping, and living their best life, a developmental service worker has paved a foundation for opportunity and collaboration. The staff at Community Living have always been eager to collaborate with people and organizations within the municipality who see the value and importance of inclusion.

Senior (Senior): Sandy Guest

In the summer of 2021 Sandy came to Seniors Community Services with an idea. She would provide yoga to seniors in Curry Park, and all funds raised would go directly to supporting Seniors Community Services. Since then, the donation-based yoga has become a year-round program, with ALL proceeds donated back to SCS. Sandy exemplifies the meaning of a strong community weaved by volunteers who see a need and spring into action. Her generosity is truly incredible, and having her support has not only impacted the lives of our yoga clients but also the health of our programs and services.

Youth (Youth): Vaughn Verney and Kaleb Gibson

Vaughn Verney and Kaleb Gibson love going to Saunders Country Critters Zoo and Sanctuary. They understand it runs on donations and wanted to help. In the summer of 2022 at the age of 10, they held a one-day lemonade stand on Smith Road in Oxford Station with all donations going to Saunders Country Critters and Zoo Sanctuary. "Two Boys Lemonade & More" raised $500 that day. In 2023, they decided to do another fundraiser and with additional promotions – including being featured in the local paper - raised $750. They were thrilled to donate the money they raised to their beloved Saunders Country Critters!

Youth (senior): Bruce Wehlau

Volunteers do not seek the recognition or spotlight for doing or participating and this could not better describe Bruce Wehlau. He is always helping but does not want to take credit for accomplishments or wins. He always highlights all who have helped or are working on a goal, forgetting to mention he is quietly leading the charge. His professional manner and friendly demeanour compliments his ability to accomplish tasks at hand. He is willing to share his time and amazing energy and does so without hesitation to build a better space and place for our community youth.

The Kemptville Youth Centre provides a safe space for teens and pre-teens and has been doing this in our community for over 25 years. The Centre continues to expand and develop programming that has been flexible to meet the changing needs of our community youth. Bruce is a passionate volunteer that has excelled and exceeded the expectations in volunteering and contributing to building a stronger North Grenville community.

Youth Category (Adult): Jess Ross

Jess is new volunteer for the Storm Minor hockey as a parent and coach. She is enthusiastic, dedicated and extremely organized. She brings a wealth of knowledge and exceptional skills pulling from her own hockey career as a child and young adult. She is a magnet at the rink, everyone knows her and wants to be on her team. She always has a smile on her face and great words of encouragement for those around her. Jess is a terrific role model for the youth girls in our community. She mentors the children to be determined, present, empathetic, fair, hardworking and trustworthy. She loves volunteering time on and off the rink. She is improving the girls’ self-esteem and raising their confidence by having those qualities herself.

Arts and Culture (Senior, 56 years and older): Karyne Besso

Karyne Besso took the lead role for coordinating the Barn Quilts during the International Plowing Match 2022. She researched barn quilts, ordered a reference book, sourced supplies for the workshops.
Karyne’s contribution provides an important legacy to the IPM and the barn quilts will live on through our communities. Karyne’s passion may have even brought in a few new people to the quilt guild community!

Arts and Culture (Group): Bubba and Bugs – Scott Godwin and Luc Vincent

Both Scott and Luc have done much for North Grenville by creating a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies to gather for arts events. Some of the cultural events hosted at Bubba and Bugs Coffee Shop included, drag nights and queer prom.
In their own quiet way, Scott and Luc have created a place where all members of the 2SLGBTIQ+ community and their allies feel safe to gather. By letting people know they are not alone, they have fostered pride in living one’s true identity. Living authentically allows every person in the community to feel as though they have a voice and that they matter too.

Environment (Youth): Phoenix Shaw

The Environment award goes to one of our canine friends in the community. Phoenix is a young German Shepherd who consistently demonstrates his concern for our local environment by picking up garbage.
In his 27 months of living in Kemptville, Phoenix has collected the equivalent of 2 garbage bags of litter. Once he retrieves a piece of garbage from the ground during his walk, he faithfully carries it the remainder of the walk until they reach the garbage can and carefully drops it so that his owner can then place it in the garbage.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Youth, 25 years and younger): Amanda Leang

Amanda is a Grade 12 student who has volunteered in many capacities in North Grenville. Some of her volunteer work includes participating in the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee and the 2022 Buskerfest organizing committee.
She has also fundraised for local charities including Big Sky Ranch and Jump Start. Her presentation to 100 Women Who Care resulted in Jump Start being the selected fundraiser.
Amanda has demonstrated that it is not only adults who get involved in raising funds and organizing events, but youth are not only just as capable, but their involvement help build a strong and dynamic community.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Adult, 26 to 55 years): Mary-Anne Leang

Mary-Anne is a truly an exemplary community volunteer. Her enthusiasm, organizing, experience, patience, compassion and willingness extends into everything she does for North Grenville!
Mary-Anne has been involved in a wide variety of community events and is part of a dynamic duo with the Oxford Mills Sisterhood of Guiding.
She is also co-owner of Kemptville Infinity (who are coincidentally, notorious for being involved in the community). On top of all her incredible volunteer and community work, she has fostered 18 children.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Senior, Age 56 and older): Anna Van Adrichem-Rochon

Anna is committed to her community and is active in the Toastmasters Club, Friendship Force, and Probus. She is a member of the Rotary Club and has served as a Canadian Blood Service volunteer.
Anna's volunteer commitments have made a tremendous impact. During her time on the Board of the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation, she helped raise $800,000 for new clinics at KDH.

Heritage (Senior): Kenneth Mews

Ken has been involved in many aspects of volunteerism in this community since he moved to Kemptville more than 25 years ago. His volunteer work in the last 10 years has been mainly focused with the North Grenville Historical Society (NGHS) where he has served in the role of Vice President, President and now Past President.
He was instrumental in the amalgamation of the Kemptville District Historical Society and the Oxford on Rideau Historical Society into what is now known as the North Grenville Historical Society in 2001.
Through Ken's work with the NGHS he has helped arouse and stimulate public interest in the heritage and history of the people and places of the North Grenville area.

Health and Wellness (Group): Peacock Family

The Peacock Family have organized fundraisers in support of Saunders Country Critters, CHEO, and The Adam Harlow Foundation to name a few.
Every year, the Peacocks put on a charity BBQ, where they selflessly provide all of the food, manpower, and time to put on a charity BBQ, and split the proceeds between CHEO and Beth Donovan house. They have raised thousands of dollars over the years.
They are some of the community’s unsung heroes – who put in the time and effort without wanting or asking for praise.

Recreation Sport and Leisure (Adult, 26 to 55 years): Bo Lapointe

Bo has been a key volunteer for the eQuinnelle Outdoor Rink (ODR) since its inception. He is focused on engaging with the community in many ways, and in this case by improving community recreational resources and to help maintain the spirit of hockey during the winter months in the community.
In addition to Bo's commitment to the ODR in eQuinnelle, this past winter season he was committed to delivering meals and food to less-fortunate families and individuals during the Holidays.
Bo's impact in the community has helped create a contagious sense of togetherness that motivates others, to take more action and become involved in growing the community particularly in recreation.

Youth (Adult): Jennifer Mitchell

Scouter Jen as she is known by many youth and fellow Scouters has been volunteering with Scouts Canada for over 15 years. Jen has been an exemplary group commissioner to the North Grenville Scouts and has mentored, trained, stepped in and stepped up wherever and whenever she is needed.
Whether its organizing camps, bonfire nights, or arranging floats for the Santa Claus Parade – to name a few, she does it with a smile, positively and with incredible patience. Her contribution to Scouting is endless.
The youth she leads, and the Scouters she mentors, will all build life changing leadership skills and confidence due to her contributions.

Youth (Group): North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance

Like so many organizations, it is often a select group of people who turn their passion into action to help create change. Melissa Button and Molly Morgan were just those people who saw the need for a queer-based youth group and established the North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance. They turned their passion into reality by helping to create a community space for youth and their families.
Through the Rainbow Youth Alliance, Melissa and Molly have been able to help amplify youth voices and advocate on behalf of local youth – especially those who don't feel safe or have the space to be their true self.
They have also organized many events for our youth such as:
- Educational workshops on safe sex for 2SLGBTQIA+
- Youth Self Defense Classes (in partnership with Boss Thai)
- Suicide Intervention Skill training
- Hosted Drag shows
Through these events, Rainbow Youth Alliance has helped Kemptville youth feel safe and accepted within our community.

Seniors (Group): Seniors’ Community Services Transportation Services Volunteers

This group of 26 dedicated volunteers provides access to critical transportation to medical and life-sustaining appointments that support seniors and adults living with physical disabilities in North Grenville.
Over the last year, this group of volunteers has provided:
2069 rides, driven 88,093 km, and given a remarkable 11,022 hours of volunteer time.
The volunteer drivers are the backbone of this service, without them it simply would not be possible to impact the lives of hundreds of older adults with access to the basic necessities that transportation provides.

The 2021 Civic Awards ceremony occured at the February 9, 2022 Virtual Council Meeting.

Agricultural Leadership (Senior, 56 years and older) (New category): Joyce Seguin

As 4-H volunteer and leader for over 35-years, Joyce Seguin has selfishly opened her home, farm, and life to teach agricultural principles to multiple generations of children. Joyce is a true pillar of family and agricultural strength.

Her passion and daily work inspire all that know her that anything can be accomplished. Promoting farm to fork before the term was popular, a long-time 4-H leader and long-time Kemptville Hospital volunteer, Joyce has contributed to the long-term stability of our Municipality with her quiet leadership.

Arts and Culture (Senior, 56 years and older): Herb Cloutier

Herb Cloutier has spent the last 10 years actively volunteering and championing the arts and culture in this community. Having fostered relationships with the BIA, Kemptville District Community Association, Kemptville Live, and the North Grenville Community Foundation to name a few, Herb has been involved in a wide variety of community events including, the Santa Clause Parade, Downtown Promenades, Canada Day, and our increasingly famous Kemptville Creek Community Skateway! Herb ensures our local arts community have a voice in any event he is involved with.

Environment (Group): Sustainable North Grenville

Sustainable North Grenville was created to help raise awareness about sustainability issues in North Grenville. Its mission is to foster a resilient community that meets the social, cultural and economic needs of its residents now and for the future, while preserving the environment’s ability to support it. Sustainable North Grenville provides the community with resources and information on how we can become a more sustainable community, even through small changes in our daily lives.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Youth, 25 years and younger): Eliza Batchelor

Eliza is the founder of the Hidden World Project, an initiative to educate our community and spread awareness about human trafficking and how to recognize the tactics used to ‘lure’ vulnerable individuals into becoming victims. The statistics Eliza has shared on human trafficking are alarming and hit home even here in North Grenville. Eliza has started a crucial conversation and is making an impact.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Adult, 26 – 55 years): Diana Fisher

As a regular columnist for the Kemptville Advance, and former radio personality at Juice FM/Moose FM, Diana Fisher is well-known in the community and has always used her public platforms and social media presence to expand her volunteer efforts and raise awareness of local issues impacting the North Grenville community.

Volunteering regularly with Salvation Army and supporting initiatives such as the Kettlebell campaign, volunteering as emcee for events such as the Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary Hey Day fundraiser, and the North Grenville Sports Hall of Fame, volunteering at KemptvilleLive Music Festival, and the Kemptville Youth Centre Book Fair, Diana is a familiar face for many in the community.

Exemplary Work in the Community (Senior, Age 56 and older): Neil Whyte

Neil Whyte has made a tremendous volunteer contribution to the North Grenville community with active roles on the Oxford Mills Community Association and the Heritage Committee - in addition to the various events and festivals and other charitable projects. His dedication to heritage, arts and culture through his volunteer efforts, from staging, lighting and engineering for community events including Canada Day, community picnics and the extensive lighting of Maplewood Park at Christmas.

Neil always steers a group back to the core values of our community by highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses, charities, individuals and by reminding everyone that volunteerism is about community support, human kindness, and heartfelt generosity.

Exemplary Work in the community (Group): Kemptville Pride (Holly Brown, Founder and 2021 Board

In 2019, Holly Brown served as a major catalyst in organizing North Grenville’s first Pride Parade - which was a very positive, family friendly and fun event. Through a lot of energy, dedication, and collaboration with many other volunteers, this success led to the formal establishment of Kemptville Pride. As one of the early founders, Ms. Brown’s efforts were instrumental in creating space and momentum for others to come forward.  

 

The priority of Kemptville Pride is to support and provide education, promotion, networking opportunities and outreach in support of the LGBTQ2 community and its supporters. Kemptville Pride, under the guidance of a committed and passionate Board of Directors, has grown into an incorporated non-profit, that has solidified funding that will enable them to build a solid foundation and structure so that they can continue their work well beyond having a parade every June. Kemptville Pride recently began the Safe Place Program which allows residents, businesses and organizations to assist victims of hate-motivated crimes and incidents by providing secure locations for victims to report a crime and get assistance, along with the various other events and initiatives over the past few years.

Health and Wellness (Adult, 26 to 55 years): Rebecca Cronk and OmShanti Melanie Charlebois (Joint Award)

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Rebecca Cronk offered the community virtual live training sessions via zoom or on Facebook Live, in addition to several shorter videos and weekend challenges for participants of all ages and fitness levels. These classes were all free and designed so that no gym equipment was required. Rebecca also volunteers as the strength and conditioning coach for our very own Kemptville 73s. Despite the impacts to her business due to the COVID restrictions, Rebecca has continued to remain positive, lead by example and find ways to give back to the community.

The Co-Recipient in this category was OmShanti, also known as Melanie Charlebois. OmShanti has been a pillar in the health and wellness industry in North Grenville for many years, and most recently by bringing awareness to the wellness aspects of yoga in North Grenville through the inaugural Surya Yoga Festival held on Kemptville Campus last year.

Health and Wellness (Group): ParticipACTION Working group (Municipal Health Wellness & Fitness Advisory Sub-Committee)

Debbie Allingham, Nick Charman, Tanya Deans, Stacey Dickson, Rick Gerein, Darryl Kielec, Robert Matheson, Phil Mosher

In April of 2021, members of the Health, Fitness and Wellness group made the bold decision to participate in ParticipACTION’S Most Active Community Award - for the first time in North Grenville’s history.A subcommittee was formed to plan, strategize, and promote our formal entry into the contest, which was a way to highlight the value of active living.

This Committee, alongside North Grenville’s municipal communications team, local media (particularly the NG Times), teachers from various schools, fitness studios, childcare centres, clubs and businesses, rallied, put up signs, walked, ran, worked out, held dance parties (way to go Madisson Montessori!), marathon events (thank you Tennis Club!) and much more. Together, we helped cajole kids to do phys-ed classes online, got them out of the house after months of online learning, held neighbourhood or friends & family contests on the Participation app – all so that we could track our steps, movement and activities.

All of this effort (and a lot of sweat!) ultimately lead to North Grenville being crowned Canada’s most active community!

Heritage (Group): Burritt’s Rapids Community Association

The Burritt’s Rapids Community Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who are elected from the community to manage the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall and act as a voice for the hamlet of Burritt’s Rapids. The Hall was built in 1855 by John French and operated as a general store. In 1935, Casey Swedlove sold the hall and its property to the community and since then it has been run as a non-profit facility. In 1984, the hall was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act as being of architectural and historical value. The dedicated work and strong advocacy of the Association is instrumental to supporting Heritage in the Burritt’s Rapids Community.

Recreation Sport and Leisure (Adult, 26 to 55 years): Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson is a lifelong resident of Bishop’s Mills, and his house faces the Bishop’s Mills Community Park where Mark played as a child: T-ball and softball in the summer and skating on the rink in the winter. His father, Mervin Robinson, used to help flood the rink when Mark was growing up. Mark has taken over the reins from his father and looks after the Bishop’s Mills Outdoor Rink - often staying up late on cold nights to lay down an extra layer of ice, or to shovel the snow off the rink so kids can play.

Mark’s volunteer service has made a huge impact on the Bishop’s Mills community. Mark has been a strong advocate for the park in Bishop’s Mills and worked tirelessly with the Municipality to improve the area for the ice rink. Mark’s work has contributed to giving the community the opportunity to be more active. It has become a destination for visitors from afar, keeping Bishop’s Mills on the map, and perhaps being an inspiration for other communities to create rinks of their own.

Recreation Sport and Leisure (Senior, 56 and over): Sarah Herring

Sarah Herring has generously volunteered her time over many years in support of the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation and the Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre, acting as a champion for active trails and preservation. More recently, she has worked tirelessly to bring to fruition the Kemptville Winter Trails project, creating cross-country ski trails in Ferguson Forest Centre for the first time in North Grenville for all to enjoy, and by fundraising for the purchase of a trail grooming machine.

Youth (Group): The Oxford Mills Sisterhood of Guides

The Oxford Mills Sisterhood of Guiding has been a successful youth group in the community for a number of years now. The leaders work tirelessly without much recognition, providing a safe, inclusive and challenging program for youth members.

The group has accomplished so many amazing things each year such as participating in the Earth Day Garbage Cleanup Challenge, Snowarama Breakfast to raise money for Easter Seals, Oxford Mills Tree Lighting and Carol Singing, Operation Christmas Child, various Food Drives, and many more initiatives.