City of Ottawa Civic Appreciation Awards
- they can't happen without you!
Each spring, as part of the celebration of National Volunteer Week, the City of Ottawa holds an awards ceremony by invitation to publicly thank the many volunteers at work in our community. The event will be held in May.
The Civic Appreciation Awards are a joint effort. The City organizes the event, but its success rests with the public's participation in nominating the award recipients. So, if you know someone in your community whose volunteer efforts should be recognized, please come forward. Nominate that special volunteer who has touched your life.
Who is eligible for a Civic Appreciation Award?
How do I nominate a volunteer in my community?
Supporting material
What are the award categories?
Deadline for nominations
Civic Appreciation Awards Nomination Form
2008 Civic Appreciation Awards Recipients
2007 Civic Appreciation Awards Recipients
2006 Civic Appreciation Awards Recipients
2005 Civic Appreciation Awards Recipients
2004 Civic Appreciation Awards Recipients
Who is eligible for a Civic Appreciation Award?
Any adult, youth or senior in the City of Ottawa who willingly volunteers their time and efforts to benefit others is eligible for an award provided they live in, operate a business in, or volunteer within the City of Ottawa. Civic Appreciation Awards do NOT recognize individuals for personal success or professional achievements. Employees of the City of Ottawa and individuals serving on City of Ottawa committees, boards or agencies are eligible for nomination provided their volunteer activity is not an extension of their role as an employee. Nominations by immediate family members, self-nominations, and posthumous nominations will not be accepted.
How do I nominate a volunteer in my community?
It's simple. You can nominate your favourite volunteer for a Civic Appreciation Award at any time during the year. Nomination forms are available at all of the City's Client Service Centres. Or you can download a nomination form right from this site. Once you have completed the form, attach the supporting material (described below) and fax, e-mail or mail it in. Please note that the supporting material must be attached or your nomination will be disqualified. Nominations will be collected until the last Friday in March for the annual Civic Appreciation Awards ceremony. Nominations after that date will be carried forward for next year's ceremony.
Supporting material
Each nomination form MUST include a short summary. Please answer the following questions (no more than two pages) of the nominee's contribution or accomplishments.
- Please provide a brief statement/overview/summary describing why you are nominating this individual or group (max. 250 words)
- Outline the volunteer’s activities / accomplishments (max. 300 words)
- Please provide examples of the impact his / her volunteer service has made in the community or to the quality of someone’s life (max. 350 words)
- Describe how the volunteer’s activities demonstrate the spirit of volunteering, giving back to community, and how it has contributed to building a stronger community (max. 250 words)
Nominators should include sufficient information to give the Selection Committee an idea of the nominee's character and the impact of his/her volunteer service. Ensure that the summary is attached to the nomination form. Please do NOT send further documentation such as certificates, photos, and testimonials; they will not be forwarded to the Selection Committee. All nomination forms and supporting information becomes the property of the City of Ottawa upon submission and will not be returned. Nominators should retain a copy of their submission for their reference. All submissions will be acknowledged either by e-mail or by phone.
What are the award categories?
Learn more about the 16 different awards the City presents:
Citizen of the Year Award (3 awards)
Outstanding individuals with a minimum of five years of volunteer service who have made a significant contribution.
- Citizen of the Year, Youth (25 years and younger)
- Citizen of the Year, Adult (26 to 55 years)
- Citizen of the Year, Senior (56 years and older)
Brian Kilrea Award (1 award)
An Amateur Coach who has made an outstanding contribution to amateur sport in Ottawa and exemplifies leadership, commitment and excellence in coaching.
Distinguished Civic Award (12 awards)
Awarded to one volunteer in each of the following categories:
- Arts and Culture - For volunteer efforts in culture, visual, performing or literary arts.
- Recreation and Sports - For volunteer efforts in the promotion, organization, sponsorship or motivation of sports, recreation, and leisure pursuits for healthy and active living.
- Education / Training - For volunteer efforts in areas such as literacy, language, multiculturalism and community issues.
- Environment - For volunteer efforts in the protection, preservation, beautification, awareness and/or promotion of our local environment.
- Health - For volunteer efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles, personal well being, wellness and health.
- Heritage - For volunteer efforts in heritage preservation, architectural conservation, research, or interpretation of local heritage.
- Humanitarianism - For a Good Samaritan and/or a philanthropist whose humane actions assist those in need or despair.
- Rural/Agriculture - For volunteer efforts in agricultural improvements, promotion of rural lifestyles, or assistance in agricultural events and activities.
- Community Activism (4 Awards - Youth, Adult, Senior, Group)- A volunteer or group of volunteers whose actions, commitment, volunteer leadership, service and community spirit has made a difference in the lives of those in the community.
Deadline for nominations
Deadline for nominations is Friday, March 26, 2010 at 4 pm
Nominations received after this date will be carried forward into the following year's award categories.
Civic Appreciation Awards Nomination Form
Available formats:
Where to send nomination
Mail: City of Ottawa, Civic Appreciation Awards Selection Committee
c/o Office of Protocol, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
Fax: 613-580-2438
E-mail: civicappreciationawards@ottawa.ca
