Citizen Awards and Recognition

Civic Recognition Award

Individuals and teams who have achieved accomplishments at a competitive level in various categories.

Volunteer Recognition Awards

Below you will be able to find a link to nominate someone for the 2024 edition of the program.  

2023 Volunteer Award Recipients

Individual Award Recipients

Ken AckerLisa BaconBruno CampagiorniMike DiBattista
Caterina FicanoDeborah ForhanClaire GregoryJan Jaluvka
Rene LandryIryna LohazyakAnna LucianoMichal Lukac
Andrew McMeekinBeverly MerrifieldLaura OberleinAbby Olson
Dave PattersonDaniel RodriqueDebbie RushSt. Paul Patriot Food Drive
Patrick SirianniTom SkrzeszewskiJordin SmithSoup Kitchen Sunday Squad
Rachel StempskiSharon SumnerSarah West

Corporate Sponsors

NF Fire Fighters Professional AssociationNiagara Peninsula Energy Inc.Olsen-Sottile Insurance Brokers Inc.
Pineridge Tree ServiceThe Meat ShoppeTree Canada

BeNF Award

  • Bob Prentice

Civic Pride Award

  • Kevin Fehr

Barbara Frum Award

  • Gordon West

Doug Austin Award

  • Sean Ford

SCVFA Environment Award

  • Niagara Parks Commission

George MacPhail Award

  • Terry Thomson

Senior of the Year Award

  • Anna Racine

Youth of the Year Award

  • Azka Siddiqui

NOMINATIONS: 2024 Edition

If you need assistance, please send us an email or call Recreation & Culture at 905-356-7521 ext.3341.  

About the Volunteer Recognition Awards

The Annual Volunteer Recognition Program provides an excellent opportunity to honour and recognize the many outstanding volunteers in our community. Community organizations are invited to recognize one Individual Volunteer and one Corporate Sponsor each year.

In addition, anyone may nominate individuals (or organizations) to receive one of our Special Awards.

Nominations are accepted year round, online for Corporate Sponsors and Individual Volunteers, and for our Special Awards (Senior Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Environment, Civic Pride, George MacPhail, Stamford Alumni Association Award in Memory of Barbara Frum). 

Stamford Collegiate Alumni Association Award in Memory of Barbara Frum

This award is presented to an individual or organization that has enhanced the quality of our lives by virtue of their outstanding contribution to fostering and developing Arts and Cultural opportunities in Niagara Falls. Barbara Frum was a well-known and respected journalist, interviewer, and commentator in print, radio, and television.

Civic Pride Award

This award is presented to those residents who demonstrate a true commitment to our community and help make the City a nicer, cleaner place in which to live, by making a difference to the daily lives of those who live in Niagara Falls.

Environment Award

This award is presented to those citizens, groups, businesses, industry or organizations residing or working in the City of Niagara Falls who have made a significant contribution toward the protection or enhancement of the City's environment.

George MacPhail Award

This award is presented to an individual or organization who has displayed an outstanding volunteer contribution in recreation to the citizens of Niagara Falls. The award is made in memory of George MacPhail, a former Niagara Falls elementary school vice-principal and a long-time, dedicated member of the City of Niagara Falls Recreation Committee.

Senior Volunteer of the Year Award

This award is presented to a senior resident, 60 years of age or older, who demonstrates a true commitment to our community by their volunteer work. The service that they provide goes well above and beyond and makes a significant impact on the community.

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

This award is presented to a youth resident, 21 years of age or younger, who demonstrates a true commitment to our community by their volunteer work. The service that they provide goes well above and beyond any volunteer service required by their school.

In addition, BeNF Awards are presented each year by the Mayor's Office. The BeNF Award recognizes people who are proud to be a part of the fabric that makes up Niagara Falls and give back in a generous way to fellow residents. The Doug Austin Award is presented each year by The Niagara Falls Review.

2024 Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony

The 2024 edition of the Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at the Niagara Falls Exchange, located off of Main Street (and Sylvia Place) in Niagara Falls.  The event will start with a complimentary hors d'ouvres welcome reception at 6:00 pm (cash bar) followed by the awards ceremony at 6:30pm.  The event will conclude at 8:00 pm. Award recipients will be contacted by email to inform them of the particulars.  Nominating organizations will also be able to bring limited guests to the event. 

Arts and Culture Wall of Fame

Local artists who have made a significant contribution to arts and culture in Niagara Falls.

Spooky Awards 

Outstanding, residential Halloween decorations, lighting displays and special effects in Niagara Falls. Free to enter. Prizes awarded by a panel of judges and by popular vote.

Sports Wall of Fame

Local athletes, teams, builders and sponsors whose achievements and/or support have brought fame to themselves and our community and/or enriched the local sports community.

Summer Trillium Awards

Outstanding curbside horticultural, landscaping displays (residential and commercial) in Niagara Falls. Recognizing and encouraging city-wide beautification. New themes each year. Prizes awarded by a panel of judges.