City congratulates recipients of 2021 Civic Awards

On December 14, 2021, during a Regular Meeting of Council held electronically, Mayor Rob Vagramov announced the recipients of the 2021 Civic Awards. Seven individuals or groups were recognized for their efforts to help make Port Moody a better place. 

The Civic Awards are presented annually to deserving people, organizations, and businesses that have made significant contributions to the community in six categories: accessibility, arts, climate action, environment, heritage, and sport. The City congratulates all of this year’s Civic Award recipients and thanks them for their service. 

ACCESSIBILITY 

The Peter Hulbert Accessibility Award honours an individual, business, community group, educator, or government agency that goes above and beyond expectations in removing barriers for individuals with disabilities. 

Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership 

The Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership (TCLIP) was recognized for its leadership in creating an accessible and inclusive community for recent immigrants and new Canadians. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, TCLIP has initiated several workshops in response to the increased levels of racism experienced by residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of colour (BIPOC). Titled “Dismantling Barrier and Fostering Belonging,” this anti-racism initiative was undertaken to deepen our understanding of the importance of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our communities. From speakers, workshops, and dialogues to exhibits and performances, these activities provided residents with opportunities to connect, empower, and transform communities to be stronger and more inclusive. Other key projects include workforce integration for immigrants and newcomers, providing and promoting access to community services, and social inclusion for refugees and immigrants. 

ARTS 

The Arts Award celebrates an individual, organization, or business that significantly contributes to, and participates in, the artistic/cultural life of the community.  

Ladawne Shelstad 

Ladawne Shelstad was honoured for harnessing the power of creativity to help people get through tough times, and for brightening the Klahanie neighbourhood in the process. What started as a suggestion from Shelstad’s young daughter – to create an uplifting chalk rainbow on the street during a difficult time early in the pandemic – grew into a gallery of beautiful chalk murals throughout the neighbourhood. Finding comfort in the rainbow, Shelstad and her daughter created a mural of a giant heart on their garage door. Their next mural was designed for the garage door of a neighbour, who is a nurse, as a way to say thank you. When neighbours saw the colourful and uplifting murals, they asked if they could become a part of the project. Soon every garage door along Shelstad’s lane had its own mural. The murals then extended to other lanes in Klahanie. Shelstad also created chalk and art supply kits that she sold through her Facebook page, Port Moody Heart Market, with proceeds going to Share Family and Community Services.  

Blue Mountain Quilters’ Guild 

The Blue Mountain Quilters’ Guild was recognized for their work in giving back to the community through donations, leadership, and teaching skills, and for bringing Port Moody to the forefront of the fibre art world. A goal of the Blue Mountain Quilters’ Guild is to provide charities with as many donated quilts as they have members. In 2021, approximately 142 quilts were donated, as there are currently 142 members, including approximately 80 from Port Moody. Although the Guild is a Tri-Cities group, many of their quilts go to residents and organizations in Port Moody, such as Crossroads Hospice Society and the Port Moody Royal Canadian Legion. The Guild also donates to regional organizations and institutions such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Royal Columbian Hospital and Tri-Cities schools. The Guild also participates at the Ioco Ghost Town Days Festival by having a booth, displaying quilts, and teaching adults and children the quilting process. 

CLIMATE ACTION

 The Climate Action Award recognizes individuals, community groups, schools, organizations, and businesses who advance the goals and objectives of the City’s Climate Action Plan. 

Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc. 

Tru Earth was honoured for their efforts in greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate change education and outreach in 2021. Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc. is a Port Moody-based, eco-friendly company that produces household products. They are committed to eliminating plastic from landfills and oceans. Tru Earth works to collect data and build a plan to reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions, including logistical changes, innovations to packaging, and behavioral engagement with the goal of being carbon neutral. Tru Earth has also partnered with the Salish Sea Research and Education Society to create a curriculum and offer a summer camp for youth and middle school students in the Tri-Cities. This curriculum provides comprehensive lessons on the importance of oceans, the impact of pollution, connections to wastewater and watersheds, how a circular economy works, and how students can take action. 

ENVIRONMENT 

The Environment Award is given to an individual, organization, or business that advances environmental preservation and awareness in Port Moody. 

Gayle Carter and Robert Carter 

Gayle Carter and Robert Carter were recognized for their long-time commitment to the ecological health and environmental stewardship of Bert Flinn Park, and for the role they played in the dedication of Bert Flinn Park as protected parkland. Gayle Carter was a member of the City Council that appointed the Bert Flinn Park Task Force, which provided direction to preserve environmentally sensitive wetlands and forested areas, in the year 2000. The Carters spend time in the park every day, observing the forest and noting changing conditions as well as trail and park issues. They dedicate a considerable amount of time to supporting forest health through volunteer work on the management and removal of invasive plant species such as English Ivy, which damages tree health. The Carters share their love for Bert Flinn with other park visitors while raising awareness about forest health and opportunities for restoration.  

HERITAGE 

The Heritage Award honours an individual, organization or business that advances heritage conservation in Port Moody through special initiatives or projects that preserve, rehabilitate, restore, or create awareness of a cultural resource. 

Jennifer Duncan and John Duncan 

Jennifer Duncan and John Duncan were honoured for their efforts to restore a local heritage building. Since purchasing the Barnum Residence at 2625 St. George Street in 2003, the Duncans have spent countless hours restoring it. The house was built circa 1903-1904 by William Ernest Barnum, a lumber mill worker. Barnum lived in the residence with his wife and four children until 1924. Located in the heart of Moody Centre, the Barnum Residence was formally recognized by the City and placed on the Heritage Register in 2006, and listed on the Canadian Register in 2009. 

SPORTS 

The Sports Award is presented to local athletes, teams, or “builders” (e.g. coaches, officials, sports medicine practitioners, etc.) who are positive role models and encourage young people to get involved in sports and lead healthy lifestyles. 

Alan Jones 

Alan Jones was recognized for his contributions as a football coach. For over 20 years, Jones had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of young Port Moody boys and girls with his enthusiasm and commitment to his community, his school, and the sport of football. Jones started the football programs at Port Moody Junior Secondary in 1970 and Port Moody Senior Secondary in 1973. His commitment to school and community culminated with a provincial championship in 1991 as the head coach of the team at Port Moody Senior Secondary. Jones was, and still is, a legend to many people who grew up in Port Moody. Coaching football in the Tri-Cities from 1965 to 2016, Jones touched countless lives while giving young men and women the opportunity to participate in the game of football. He was a pioneer in breaking down gender barriers, encouraging female participation in the game through initiatives like his Football for Females night school course that ran for over three years in the mid-1970s at Port Moody Senior Secondary.