Civic Appreciation Awards (replaced in 2011 by the Mayor’s City Builder Award)
The Civic Appreciation Awards, created in 2002, and awarded until 2010, were established to recognize community volunteers and underscore their valued contributions to the city’s quality of life. Since 2011 our community volunteers are recognized by the Mayor’s City Builder Award.
Recipients by Year
2002
Citizen of the Year
Heather Colls – Adult
Graham Ball – Senior
Distinguished Civic Award
Keith Brown – Athletics, Sports and Recreation
Roy Cooper – Health
Elizabeth Gross – Humanitarianism
Mark Inman – Athletics, Sports and Recreation
Lily Komenda – Humanitarianism
Michel Lamoureux – Education
Becky Marr Johnson – Arts and Culture
Giovanna Panico – Heritage
Robert Philips – Heritage
Robert Rodney – Environment
Barbara Vance – Rural / Agriculture
Community Activism Award
Eleanor Elliott – Adult
Ann Crain – Senior
Alf Gunter – Senior
Meghan Martin – Youth
2003
Citizen of the Year
Denis St-Denis – Adult
Marian Chapman – Senior
Rahana Adam – Youth
Distinguished Civic Award
Mike Christie – Environment
Ron and Betty Eastman – Rural/Agriculture
Larry Ellis – Heritage
David Lowe – Athletics, Sports and Culture
Beryl McKale – Health
Bob Rainboth – Humanitarianism
Asoka Weerasinghe – Arts and Culture
Gary Whitten – Education
Community Activism Award
Chris Hughes – Adult
Marion Gullock – Senior
Céline Philippe – Youth
2004
Citizen of the Year
Anne-Marie Philippe – Adult
Margaret Finley – Senior
Rebecca Dixon – Youth
Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
Darrell Campbell
Distinguished Civic Award
Lillian Cousen – Health
Richard Fraser – Rural/Agriculture
Diane George – Humanitarianism
Cathy Kerr – Health
Joan Klenavic – Arts and Culture
Robert Lockwood – Recreation and Leisure
Kathy Nihei – Environment
Linda Paolozzi – Education
Carolyn Quinn – Heritage
Community Activism Award
Bonnie Gray – Adult
Bertillia Christian – Adult
Pansy Waterman – Senior
Candice and Ryan Dekker – Youth
Ottawa Distress Centre “Elite Volunteer Group” – Group
2005
Citizen of the Year
Margaret MacNeill – Adult
Christine Easton – Senior
Lliam Hayes – Youth
Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
Bill Heikkila
Distinguished Civic Award
Edith Carty – Humanitarianism
Greg Dumont - Arts and Culture
Brian Finch – Environment
Anthony Keith – Heritage
Dr. Emdad Khan – Education
Ken and Betty Kingsbury - Rural/Agriculture
Patrick Reid - Recreation and Sports
Donald Shultz – Health
Community Activism Award
Charlotte Alain – Adult
Betty Dowd – Senior
Bill Robinson – Senior
Katie Tam – Youth
HOPE Volleyball Planning Team 2004 – Holly Tarrison – Group
2006
Citizen of the Year
Tanya Thompson – Adult
Don Lawlor – Senior
Jeremy Dias – Youth
Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
Joseph Sandulo
Distinguished Civic Award
John Balint – Recreation and Sports
Gwen Bell – Humanitarianism
Karen Eck – Health
Anna Kyle – Health
Fiona Reid – Education
Archie Smith – Arts and Culture
Philip Sweetnam – Environment
Georgina Tupper – Heritage
Madeline Whalen – Rural/Agriculture
Community Activism Award
Joe Zadzora – Adult
Paul Greer – Senior
Natasha Rupani – Youth
MedVents Medical Venturers – Group
2007
Citizen of the Year
Allan Hubley – Adult
Harold Moore – Senior
Jessica Weihrich – Youth
Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
Margaret Jones
Patrick Reid
Distinguished Civic Award
Bill Anderson – Recreation and Sports
Lenora Crowe – Arts and Culture
Nancy and David Hayley – Environment
Michele LeBoldus – Heritage
Karen Leskinen – Education
Mirwais Nahzat – Humanitarianism
Cecil Reaney – Rural/Agriculture
Nina Saab – Health
Community Activism
Rod Vanier – Adult
Nazira Tareen – Senior
Megan Ellwood – Youth
Birth and Parent Companion Program, Canadian Mothercraft – Group
2008
Citizen of the Year
Paulette Dozois – Adult
Joy Bergeron – Senior
Julina Throop – Youth
Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
Jim Wagdin
Pat Messner
Distinguished Civic Award
Arlene Anderson – Arts and Culture
Monique and John Benfield – Recreation and Sport
Molly Bruce – Humanitarianism
Richard Fleming – Recreation and Sport
John J. Heney – Heritage
Michael Machargo – Health
Lynda McCuaig – Rural/Agriculture
Jennifer Mix – Environment
James Valitchka – Education
Community Activism Award
David Ellis and Matthew Ellis – Adult
Allen Holtz – Senior
Jasmine Renaud – Youth
Salvation Army Disaster Services Volunteers – Group
2009
Citizen of the Year
Tanya Smith – Adult
Alice Campbell – Senior
Mélissa Brunet – Youth
Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
Charles Chamberlin
Distinguished Civic Award
Michael Ashman – Recreation and Sports
Bob Gowan – Health
Khadija Haffajee – Humanitarianism
Jenniferann Heward-Eastham – Education
Elaina Martin –Arts and Culture
Michael More – Heritage
Betty Prophet - Rural/Agriculture
Wayne Roddick – Environment
Alain Vachon – Heritage
Community Activism Award
Claudio Escobar – Adult
Joan Schrier – Adult
Gary Kyer –Senior
Melody Andrews – Youth
Board of Directors Volunteer Ottawa – Group
2010
Citizen of the Year
Dr. Nalin Bhargava – Adult
Clarence Maheral – Senior
LaDorna Penteluk – Senior
Megan Ellwood – Youth
Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
Bill Foster
Distinguished Civic Award
Kelvin Burnett – Rural/Agriculture
Robert Clarke – Arts and Culture
David B. Flemming – Heritage
Pat Lamanna – Education
John Leroux – Recreation and Sports
Gary Lum – Environment
Judy Madaire – Health
James McCracken – Humanitarianism
Tom O. Wright – Environment
Community Activism Award
Chris Tessier – Adult
Helen M. Sutherland – Senior
Jane Au – Youth
Stage Coordinators – Ottawa International Jazz Festival – Group
Commemorative Street Naming for Veterans
Background
In 2005, as part of the celebrations for the Year of the Veteran, the City of Ottawa launched a street-naming initiative to honour our local veterans. The initiative is a partnership between the City of Ottawa, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion and local private developers.
All applicants must proceed through the City of Ottawa’s commemorative street naming process. Once approved by the commemorative street naming process, the Office of Protocol and Intergovernmental Affairs liaises with Veterans Affairs Canada and the Poppy and Remembrance Committee of the Royal Canadian Legion who grant permission to utilise the Poppy on the approved street sign.
Local developers participate in this initiative by voluntarily naming streets within new housing developments. The permanent street sign that is installed during the final stages of construction of the subdivision bears the Poppy – the ultimate sign of remembrance.
The presentation of the street sign takes place during the Candlelight Tribute for Veterans every year during the month of November. The event is co-hosted by the City of Ottawa and the Department of Veterans Affairs with approximately 800 guests in attendance. As part of the ceremony, the Mayor presents the family with a replica of the actual street sign.
Honourees
2021 – Squadron Leader Dr. Jean Davey
Left to Right: Mr. Hugo Lalonde, Ms. Sharon Rudnitski, His Worship Jim Watson, Mr. Yasir Naqvi.
Born in 1909, in Hamilton, Ontario, Jean - Davey became one of the first two Canadian women to enter the Armed Forces, serving as the first Canadian female doctor from 1941 to 1945.Dr. Davey was the first woman to be granted the commission of Squadron Leader as head of a medical care unit, and she was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1943 in recognition of her service.
She served with the RCAF until her retirement from the military in 1945, then returned to Women’s College Hospital where she held the position of Associate Chief of the Department of Medicine. In 1950, Dr. Davey was appointed Chief of Medicine at the Women’s College Hospital, and from 1946 to 1973 she taught at the University of Toronto, where she became a Professor of the Faculty of Medicine.
She retired from Women’s College Hospital in 1973 and, in recognition of her legacy, the Dr. Jean Davey Honorary Fund was established to provide financial assistance to hospital employees to further their education and upgrade their skills.
In 1973, Dr. Davey was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of her outstanding medical and military careers, and for her services to medicine as an educator and administrator.
Dr. Davey died on March 13, 1980
CAIVAN have agreed to add “promenade Jean Davey Drive” in their Ridge development in Barrhaven.
2020 – Lieutenant-Colonel David Wiens
Left to Right: Councillor Glen Gower, Mrs. Gail Wiens-Segal, His Worship Jim Watson, Mr. Yasir Naqvi, Mr. Colin McSweeney.
Born in 1920, David Wiens attend St. John’s College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before joining the Canadian Army, serving overseas in World War II. He served in the Canadian Intelligence Corps from 1942-1946 in Northwest Europe and the United Kingdom at which time he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
In 1945, with the conclusion of war he was discharged from the military. Upon returning to Canada, he obtained a Diploma of Education from the University of Manitoba and taught high school students at St. John’s College.
In 1951 David Wiens rejoined the Canadian military where he served in various intelligence appointments. He received multiple decorations for his World War II service including the Thunderbird Badge for his contributions to military intelligence as well as the Canadian Decoration and 1St Bar for his long service. His rank at discharge was that of Lieutenant-Colonel.
David Wiens spent his retirement years researching his genealogy which led him to write a book detailing his lineage with the historical stories of Mennonites and their travels across Europe as well as some stories of his childhood in Russia.
Lieutenant-Colonel Wiens died on November 16, 2017.
CTR Developments a consortium made up of Claridge Homes, Tamarack Homes and Richcraft have agreed to add “rue David Wiens Street” in their Westwood Subdivision in Stittsville.
2019 - Warrent Officer Second Class, Bertram "Bud" Hannam
Left to Right: Erin O’Connor, EQ Homes/Regional Group; Taylor Marquis, EQ Homes/Regional Group; Councillor Eli El-Chantiry; Rosy Hannam; Veteran Ken Sanford; His Worship Jim Watson; Rosita Smith and Brady Smith; William Hannam; and Jacquie Sanford.
Bertram “Bud” Hannam was a decorated World War II veteran. He was a 23rd Field Ambulance Reservist and landed in France on D-Day (June 6, 1944) and served on the continent for the duration of the war.
He was officially discharged as a Warrant Officer 2nd Class in 1968. Bertram “Bud” Hannam was laid to rest in the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces at Beechwood Cemetery Ottawa on July 25, 2019 at the age of 94.
2018 - Private Michael Joseph Stoqua and Private Moses Tennisco
Left to Right; Chief Kirby Whiteduck, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nations, Private Fraser Cunningham, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own), Corporal Kenton Lynds, Governor General’s Foot Guards, His Worship Jim Watson
Private Michael Joseph Stoqua:
Private Michael Joseph Stoqua was a First Nations (Golden Lake Band, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Ontario) soldier who was born on August 3, 1893. At the age of 22, he enlisted as a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force to serve in the First World War. As a Private, he registered with the 42nd Regiment Guard Detachment, and then served for two years with the 130th Overseas Battalion. On April 15, 1917, Private Stoqua succumbed to his wounds at the General Hospital in Boulogne, France, as a part of the 75th Overseas Battalion.
Private Moses Tennisco:
Private Moses Tennisco was a First Nations (Golden Lake Band, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Ontario) soldier who served his country as a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. He was born on August 18, 1884, and served with the 107th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment). Private Tennisco gave up his life for the Commonwealth in action on June 27, 1917, and was laid to rest at the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, United Kingdom.
Canada Lands Company and Mattamy Homes have agreed to add Michael Stoqua Street and Moses Tennisco Street in Wateridge Village, formerly CFB Rockcliffe.
2017 - Leading Writer Stuart Kettles
Left to Right: Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Jody Saurette, Mr. Bruce Kettles, Mr. Al Smith, Ms. Margo Smith, His Worship Jim Watson, Councillor Mark Taylor, Mr. Scott Saurette and Mr. Devon Saurette.
Leading Writer Stuart Kettles was born in Ottawa on September 1, 1917 and attended the High School of Commerce and the Ottawa Technical School. Prior to enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy, he was employed as a clerk-stenographer with J.R. Booth from 1937-1941.
Enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves in 1941, he was drafted to His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMSC) Athabaskan in 1942. He survived the sinking of the Athabaskan on April 30, 1944 and was taken as a prisoner of war (POW) and detained at Marlag und Milag, Germany. He was discharged from the Royal Canadian Navy in November 1945.
After he was discharged from the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves, he joined the Ottawa Police Services and served from 1946 to 1966 and attained the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Police Service Medal.
Stuart Kettles was also awarded the 1939-1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and clasp and the War Medal 1939-45. He was given the discharge badge in 1945. A classroom of the Cossette Building at Canadian Forces Base Halifax is dedicated to Stuart Kettles.
Stuart Kettles married Muriel Barkley on October 7, 1947 and had two children Greg and Margo. Stuart Kettles died in Ottawa on May 20, 1966.
Rue Stuart Kettles Street will replace rue Henley Street in Bay Ward as part of the Improved Process for Resolving Municipal Addressing Anomalies initiative.
2016 - Corporal Eric Maloney
Left to Right: Ward Councillor Michael Qaqish, Ms. Melissa Côté, Tartan Land Consultants Inc., Ms. Cynthia Maloney, His Worship Jim Watson, Mr. Andy Adams
Corporal Eric Maloney at 18 years of age from Douglastown, Quebec proved his courage and service to Canada by joining the Canadian army during the call to arms at the onset of World War II. As a member of the Royal Rifles of Canada, he along with his comrades in “C” Force sailed to defend the colony of Hong Kong. Cut off from any reinforcements and supplies, they held off the far in numbers of the Japanese invasion force for eighteen days.
“C” Force was the first Canadian unit to see battle in World War II and earned many commendations, including the first Victoria Cross awarded to Canadians.
Following their surrender on Christmas day 1941, Eric and his comrades endured four years and eight months as Prisoners of War, which under the Japanese who did not sign the Geneva Convention, was essentially four years and eight months of slavery. He, and his comrades, did everything in their power to disrupt the Japanese war effort including risking their lives in acts of sabotage.
Upon his return home Eric was united with his girlfriend Elizabeth (Betty) Ebsary who had waited for him in Newfoundland. Eric and Elizabeth were married for 58 years until Elizabeth’s death in April of 2005.
Eric pursued his dream of becoming a chef. Probably reinforced by the starvation diet experienced as a Prisoner of War, Eric gained basic knowledge of his chosen profession working in various locations as he saved money so he could take formal training.
Eric graduated from McGill University with a certification as a professional chef. He then continued to serve his country by applying his talents on NORAD’s Distant Early Warning sites (DEW Line) in Canada’s Artic from 1954 – 1955 and again in 1959-1963. Eric wanted to remove the limitations that this location had on his family, so they relocated to Toronto where he became managing chef of several establishments there, and later throughout Ontario as he sought to increase his repertoire.
In 1987 Eric brought his talents to Ottawa as the chef for the faculty dining room at Carleton University until his retirement in 1991 at the age of 70. While in Ottawa Eric found “home”. He adopted Ottawa as his own and become a financial supporter of many of its charitable organizations, primarily the Nepean Museum.
Eric liked people, especially the youth. Each year he would elaborate on the Second World war the allies fought in the Far East, bringing personal anecdotes to the history of our nation during the period making it more relevant to the listener.
Eric Maloney died on March 11, 2015.
Tartan Homes and Tamarack Homes have agreed to add “voie Eric Maloney Way” in their Findlay Creek development in Ottawa’s south end.
2015 - Vice Admiral Ralph Hennessy
Left to Right: Lieutenant-General Guy Thibault, The Reverend Cannon David Clunie, Colonel Dorothy Cooper, Councillor Jody Mitic, Councillor Riley Brockington, His Worship Jim Watson, Mrs. Diana Hennessy, Vice Admiral Mark Norman, Mrs. Leslie Lahey, Mr. Michael Hennessy, Mrs. Carol Matson, Mr. Angus Gray, Councillor Eli El-Chantiry, Councillor George Darouze, Lieutenant Gordon Gray, The Honourable Kent Hehr, Councillor Jean Cloutier, Councillor Michael Qaqish, Ms. Chantal Schryer and General Walter Natynczyk.
Vice-Admiral Ralph Hennessy, CD (September 5, 1918 - June 13, 2014) was the eldest son of Colonel Patrick Hennessy and Ellen Robb and grandson, great-grandson and great-great-grandson of soldiers.
In August 1936 when he enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy as and Officer Cadet, he became the first Hennessy in four generations not to serve in the British Army in time of war.
Between 1936 and 1939 he underwent training with the Royal Navy which included service on Non-Intervention Patrol during the Spanish Civil War and on the Africa Station. The former was his first experience facing enemy fire.
At the outbreak of World War II he was a newly commissioned Sub-Lieutenant and part of the commissioning crew of HMCS Assiniboine where he spent nearly four years of the war.
In August 1942 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross following Assiniboine’s successful surface battle against the German U-boat, U-210. The Cross was presented to him by His Majesty King George VI on May 11, 1943.
Ralph Hennessy served in many positions and vessels at sea and held many position at shore including; Comptroller-General of the Canadian Forces, Chief of Personnel. He retired from the Canadian Forces after 35 years of service in 1971.
After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Mr. Hennessy was appointed founding Executive Director of the Standards Council of Canada. He also served as Vice-President of the International Organization of Standardization, the first Canadian to do so.
Vice Admiral Hennessy was actively involved in the Corps of Commissionaires Ottawa Branch. He is a former President and long time member of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. Always learning, he received his BA in history from the University of Waterloo in May 1995.
Urbandale Corporation and Richcraft Homes have agreed to add “avenue Ralph Hennessy Avenue” in their Riverside South development in Ottawa’s south end.
2014 - Section Sergeant Helen Rapp
Left to Right: Greg Bowen, Michelle Taggart, Kathleen (Rapp) Murdie, Melissa Côté, Patsy (Rapp) St. Denis, Amy Cheff, Sharon (Rapp) Halayko, Gerry Bowen, John Rapp, His Worship Jim Watson, Councillor Steve Desroches.
Helen Rapp (July 25, 1925 – August 22, 2013) was a veteran of the Second World War and of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps.
Helen Rapp served at the Directorate of Signals in Ottawa from 1942 to 1946. She was a Bomb Girl and a member of the Armed Forces Pensioners Association.
Mrs. Rapp was married to Frank Rapp and they had five children. After Mr. Rapp’s passing, in her mid seventies, Mrs. Rapp married Mr. Gerry Bowen, and became stepmother to three boys.
Helen Rapp was a champion of veterans’ rights, particularly military widows. She was a volunteer and supporter of the Queensway Carleton Hospital.
Mrs. Rapp is the first female veteran to be honoured with the City of Ottawa’s Veterans Commemorative Street Naming.
Tartan Land Consultants Inc. and Tamarack Homes have agreed to add “voie Helen Rapp Way” in their Findlay Creek development in Ottawa’s south end.
2013 - Major W. Barry Helman
Left to Right: Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, Lieutenant General Guy Thibault, Councillor Keith Egli, The Honourable Robert Nicholson, Mr. Bruce Nicol, Ms. Melissa Côté, Mr. Scott Helman, Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Helman, His Worship Jim Watson, Mrs. Katherine Kenny, Mr. Thomas Schweiger, Ms. Ann Kenny, Mrs. Kimberley Helman, Mr. Patrick Mason, Mrs. Linda Thompson and the Honourable Julian Fantino.
Major W. Barry Helman (December 1, 1929 – January 30, 2013) was a Veteran of the Korean War and a retired Canadian Forces Veteran.
Since retiring from active service, Major Helman had been a dedicated volunteer on behalf of Veterans. He was an active member of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP) and the immediate past president of the Ottawa Chapter of this association, a position he held for six years.
Until his death, Major Helman continued to represent CAVUNP at a wide variety of military, civil and governmental functions and made presentations when called upon.
Major Helman took personal responsibility for raising funds for his Chapter's commitment to the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre in Ottawa and to date, thousands of dollars have been raised to assist the Veterans who reside there.
In addition to his volunteer work within CAVUNP, Major Helman was also a member of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion.
Tartan Land Consultants Inc. has agreed to add "Croissant Barry Helman Crescent" in their Havencrest development in Ottawa's South end.
2012 - Able Seaman Jerome (Jerry) Jodoin
Left to Right: Vice-Admiral P.A. Maddison, Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, Mr. Gus Este, His Worship Jim Watson, Mr. Gary Jodoin, Councillor Rick Chiarelli, Mrs. Fran Jodoin, Councillor Diane Holmes, Councillor Keith Egli, Councillor Katherine Hobbs and The Honourable Stephen Blaney.
Able Seaman Jerome (Jerry) Jodoin (1924-2011) was one of Canada’s last surviving World War II Navy Veterans.
Born in Ottawa on September 30, 1923, Mr. Jodoin attended Maxwell Public School and the Ottawa Technical School.
Mr. Jodoin joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942 and served during World War II in the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. The Arctic convoys of World War II were oceangoing convoys which sailed from the United Kingdom, Iceland and North America to northern ports in the Soviet Union – primarily Arkhangelsk (Archangel) and Murmansk both in modern-day Russia.
Mr. Jodoin was decorated with the following medals:
1939-45 Star
The Atlantic Star
The Pacific Star
The Canadian Voluntary Service Medal
The War Medal 1939-45
He also received a medal from the Government of Russia for his role in supporting convoy duties to supply their war effort.
Mr. Jodoin left the Royal Canadian Navy in 1945 and worked for Canada Post and the Ottawa Printing Bureau for many years before starting his own company Jeroniga of Canada, a property management company.
The Minto Group Inc. has agreed to add “Promenade Jerome Jodoin Drive” in their Avalon development in Ottawa’s East end.
2011 - Private Ferdinand Riendeau and Guardsman Ferdinand Paul-Emile Riendeau
Left to Right : Ian MacPherson (Mattamy Homes), Deputy Fire Chief Al Karkkainen, Grandmother Rose Martin,
Mr. Marc Anthony Riendeau, Mrs. Jacqueline Verville-Riendeau, Mr. James Richard Riendeau,
Mr. Jean-Pierre Riendeau, Mr. Richard Marshall, Mrs. Helene Riendeau-Marshall, His Worship Jim Watson,
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Mrs. Helga Alwine Heidenreich-Riendeau, General Walter Natynczyk
Private Ferdinand Riendeau (1883-1950) was a World War I combat veteran from the 227th Battalion who fought with the 58th Overseas Battalion in France during the Battle of the Last 100 Days.
He enlisted on March 28, 1916 and was demobilized on April 25th, 1919. Upon returning to Canada, he settled in Ottawa and was affiliated with the Governor General’s Foot Guards Association. Private Ferdinand Riendeau married Mederise Sorel and had eight children - one son and seven daughters. His only son Ferdinand Paul-Emile followed in his father's footsteps and served in the military in World War II. Six of his seven daughters married military veterans.
Guardsman Ferdinand Paul-Emile Riendeau (1920-1975) was a World War II veteran from Ottawa (1942-46). He attended the Guigues School and the Ottawa Technical High School. He enlisted with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa where he became a Sergeant Instructor in Cornwall. He then joined the Armoured Corps and served with the Governor General’s Foot Guards as a Gunner Operator in England and Northwest Europe.
Guardsman Riendeau was bestowed by King George an award of Mentions in Dispatches in recognition of his distinguished service. These mentions were authorized in the London Gazette No. 37138 on June 21, 1945 and in the Canada Gazette Number 13 on March 31, 1945. He also received the 1939-45 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
Upon returning to Canada, he married Jacqueline Verville and had one daughter and one son. He spent the remainder of his career working with the Ottawa Fire Department and retired as a Sergeant. Both his son and grandson later served with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa.
Rue des Soldats-Riendeau Street will be situated in Phase 3 of Mattamy Homes’ Half Moon Bay South community.
2010 - Able Seaman Jean Frederick Andre Audet
Back row: Mr. Cory Matthews, Mrs. Tanya Matthews, Mrs. Caroline Audet, Mr. Peter Audet,
Ms. Amanda McIntyre, Mr. Chris McIntyre, Mrs. Ashley McIntyre, Mrs. Kathy Audet, Mr. Rob Audet,
Mayor Larry O’Brien, Mr. Phil Matthews, Mrs. Gram Audet, Mrs. Sue Matthews, Mrs. Andrea McIntyre,
Mrs. Jean Audet, Mr. Jim McIntyre, Ms. Michelle Audet, Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith, Mr. Dan Audet Front row: Ms. Emily Audet, Ms. Baylie McIntyre, Ms. Callia McIntyre
Jean Frederick Andre Audet enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy on May 4, 1942 as an Ordinary Seaman.
Mr. Audet served on many ships including the H.M.C.S. Athabasca, spending 26 months at sea during World War II as an Able Seaman. Wounded as the Athabaskan sunk in the English Channel on April 29, 1944, Mr. Audet was very lucky to have survived as 128 of his fellow crew members lost their lives.
Mr. Audet received the 1939-45 Star, the Atlantic Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp as well as the War Medal (1939-45) for his service.
Mr. Audet married Gram Tergie in 1952 and is survived by his six children: Cathy, Jean, Susan, Andrea, Rob and Peter, 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Mattamy Homes was honoured to include “Andre Audet Street” within Phase 1 of their Half Moon Bay South community in Barrhaven.
2009 - Trooper Brian Richard Good
Back row: Mr. Steve Good, Mr. James Good, Mr. Mark Pusztai, Ms. Linda Good, Mayor Larry O'Brien Front row: Ms. Jessica Good, Ms. Sandra Good, Ms. Kayla Good , Ms. Jeanne Pusztai,
Ms. Geraldine Legault
Trooper Good enlisted in the Canadian Forces on October 21st, 2005 at the age of 39. He served as a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based out of Canadian Forces Base Petawawa and was assigned to Joint Task Force (JTF) Afghanistan - Infantry Brigade at Kandahar, Afghanistan as a Gunner on September 29, 2008.
Trooper Good’s assignment abruptly came to an end on January 7, 2009 when he was killed by a roadside bomb in the Shah Wali District of Afghanistan. Trooper Good was only 43 years old when he was killed.
Trooper Good is survived by his wife Sandra and their two teenage daughters, Jessica and Kayla. The Good’s have been life long residents of the Barrhaven community.
Riverside South Development Corporation, a partnership between Urbandale Incorporated and Richcraft Homes, has agreed to include “Brian Good Avenue” within Phase 9 of their Riverside South development.
2008 - Gunner Frederick Richard Paine
Back row: Mr. Jack Stirling, Minto Group Incorporated, Ms. Paula Paine, Ms. Christine Lavergne,
Mayor Larry O'Brien, Ms. Catherine Maddigan, Mr. Scott Paine. Front row: Mrs. Mary Eileen Paine
Gunner Frederick Richard Paine served in the 4th Canadian Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.
Soon after returning from the war, Mr. Paine began his career in real estate. One of his earliest achievements was brokering the sales of the Hopewell Farm, which is now referred to as Crystal Beach. He later worked for Rhodes Real Estate, a prestigious downtown firm and was involved in the sale of key properties in the city. In the 1950’s real estate boom, he worked for as the Director of Sales for Minto Construction where he was a central figure in the development of key communities such as Parkwood Hills, Meadowlands, Glen Cairn and Hawthorne Meadows. He later worked for A.B. Taylor Construction Incorporated and sold homes in the Copeland Park area – a place where he would eventually settle with his family.
In the 1970’s, Mr. Paine went to work for the Public Service and eventually worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Rideau Veterans Home. Despite the fact that he worked in commissary stores, he paid personal attention to the veterans, particularly those who fought in the First World War.
Gunner Frederick Paine received the following medals: 1939 -1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the Clasp and War Medal 1939 to1945.
Minto Communities Incorporated has agreed to name a street “Paine Avenue” within their new Arcadia Development in Kanata. The development, located just north of Scotia Bank Place will consist of 1400 residential units.
2007 - Private Francisco (Frank) Mancuso
Mayor Larry O'Brien, Mr. Bob Mancuso and Ms. Mary Jarvis, Urbandale Corporation
Private Francisco (Frank) Mancuso served in the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. Private Mancuso enlisted in Ottawa on April 29, 1941 and served in the United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean and Continental Europe from October 6, 1941 until September 14, 1945.
Private Mancuso received the following medals: 1939 -1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp War Medal 1939 -1945.
KNL Developments Incorporated, a partnership of Urbandale Corporation and Richcraft Homes, have identified a street within their Kanata Lakes development as the site of “Mancuso Court”. Phase five of this development will be registered in 2008.
2006 - Captain William LeBoutillier
Mr. Eric Maloney and Mayor Bob Chiarelli
Captain LeBoutillier was in "D" Company of the Royal Rifles of Canada and saw action at the infamous battle at Stanley Village, Hong Kong, in 1941. Canadian soldiers successfully counter attacked the enemy by crossing the open terrain of the cemetery and driving the enemy from their positions. Unfortunately, the Japanese returned with greater numbers and with concentrated mortar fire, drove the Canadians back to their original positions.
Captain LeBoutillier received a battlefield promotion to Adjutant of the Royal Rifles of Canada for his leadership and courage in the 17day battle for Hong Kong. Captain LeBoutillier was also awarded the Member of the British Empire.
Valecraft Homes Incorporated, with the cooperation of Canada Lands Company who owns adjoining lands, agreed to include LeBoutillier Avenue as part of their Aviation Private development.
2005 - Gunner Paul Antonio Métivier
Madame Justice Monique Métivier and Mayor Bob Chiarelli
Mr. Paul Métivier was one of the last surviving veterans from the First World War in all of Canada. Mr. Métivier was a long time Ottawa area resident (former City of Nepean) who passed away in December 2004. Mr. Métivier was the first recipient of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in 2002. He also had received the British War Medal, the Victory Medal (1921) and the Class A Badge (1918) and more recently, the French Legion d'Honneur for his service in France. Mr. Métivier always accepted invitations to represent World War One veterans and was often seen at the Remembrance Day ceremonies at Canada's War Museum and National War Memorial.
Minto Developments Incorporated agreed to participate in the first ever initiative and identified a street in one of their new subdivisions in South Nepean. P. A. Métivier Drive is located in the Chapman Mills area of South Nepean. The first phase of the development was completed during the summer of 2006. P. A. Métivier Drive runs for approximately two kilometres, east to west, between Woodroffe Avenue and Longfields.
Granting Freedom of the City
Freedom of the City is the highest honour a municipality can bestow upon a military unit. The first granting of Freedom of the City by the City of Ottawa dates back to 1894.
The granting of the Freedom of the City by a municipality is one of the most esteemed honours to bestow on a military unit. This military tradition began in England during the 15th century at the time of the War of the Roses when marauding military units endangered cities. Before a city would admit a military unit inside its walls, the chief constable would demand to know the reason the soldiers wished to enter the city. The chief constable would then proceed to escort the unit commander to the chambers of the city council to determine whether the city leaders could trust the unit. If proven trustworthy, the unit was granted the privilege known as, “The Freedom of the City.”
This designation entitled the unit to, “march through the street with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.” Once bestowed, this honour was retained forever. By the 17th century it became more popular to bestow the honour of Freedom of the City to military units that had protected towns from invaders in times of war.
In Canada, this traditional ceremony is symbolic and has been bestowed on Canadian military units whose origins stem from local militia formed in a particular city or town or Canadian military units who have won battle honours overseas. The City of Ottawa has been honoured to bestow Freedom of the City upon the following units:
Year Granted
Canadian Military Units
1894
14th Battalion of Kingston – Granted by His Worship George Cox
1953
1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment – Granted by Her Worship Charlotte Whitton
1964
2nd Battalion Canadian Guards – Granted by Her Worship Charlotte Whitton
1965 - 1968
30th Field Regiment / Bytown Gunners – 30th Field Artillery Regiment - Granted by His Worship Don Reid
1968
1st Battalion Canadian Guards – Granted by His Worship Don Reid
1969
Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa – Granted by His Worship Don Reid
1972
The Governor General’s Foot Guards – Granted by His Worship Pierre Benoit
1977
3rd Field Engineer Squadron – Granted by His Worship Lorrie Greenberg
1978
763 (Ottawa) Communications Regiment – Granted by Her Worship Marion Dewar
1979
Canadian Grenadier Guards – Granted by Her Worship Marion Dewar
1980
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship “Carleton” – Granted by Her Worship Marion Dewar
1981
4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards – Granted by Her Worship Marion Dewar
1981
28th Service Battalion – Granted by Her Worship Marion Dewar
1985
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry – Granted by Her Worship Marion Dewar
1995
Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps “Falkland” – Granted by Her Worship Jacqueline Holzman
1996
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship “Ottawa” – Granted by Her Worship Jacqueline Holzman
1999
3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment – Granted by His Worship Jim Watson
2013
33 Canadian Brigade Group – Granted by His Worship Jim Watson
2016
51 Canada Aviation and Space Museum Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron – Granted by His Worship Jim Watson
2016
2784 Governor General's Foot Guards - Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps – Granted by His Worship Jim Watson
2016
7 Intelligence Company (Ottawa) – Granted by His Worship Jim Watson
2016
51 Canada Aviation and Space Museum Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron - Granted by His Worship Jim Watson
2016
2784 Governor General's Foot Guards-Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps - Granted by His Worship Jim Watson
In 2017, to mark the sesquicentennial of Canadian Confederation, His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, on behalf of City Council and the citizens of Ottawa, granted permission of a Joint Exercising of Freedom of the City by the 18 military units and the three cadet corps who, since 1894, have been granted Freedom of the City. In appreciated of the long and honourable association between these military units/cadet corps and the city of Ottawa, and in gratitude for the services borne with dignity and skill by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, permission was granted to march through Ottawa with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.
Key to the City
The Key to the City is the City’s highest and most prestigious honour.
The Key to the City is bestowed upon distinguished persons and honoured guests of the City of Ottawa. The practice of presenting a key to an individual may be traced back to medieval times, when admission into a city was hampered by many legal restrictions, as well as by walls and locked gates. The key symbolized free entry. By the middle 1800s, it became customary to give a Key to the City as a symbol of the City's intention that the recipient was free to come and go at will.
Recipients of the Key to the City
Key to the City awarded by His Worship Fred Cook
Date Awarded
Recipient
December 20, 1902
Lady Minto
Key to the City awarded by His Worship Frank H. Plante
Date Awarded
Recipient
January 28, 1922
Lord and Lady Byng
Key to the City awarded by His Worship Patrick Nolan
Date Awarded
Recipient
April 25, 1935
Thomas Patrick Gorman
April 25, 1935
Allan Shields
April 25, 1935
Alex Connell
April 25, 1935
Stewart "Stew" Evans
April 25, 1935
Basil O'Meara
April 25, 1935
Frank Boucher
April 25, 1935
Frank Nighbor
September 25, 1935
Lady Roberte, Countess of Bessborough
November 4, 1935
Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Stanley Lewis Date Awarded Recipient
March 10, 1937
Cecilia Colledge
June 19, 1937
South African Lawn Bowling Team
January 23, 1938
Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Freiman
April 15, 1939 Megan Taylor
May 6, 1940
Walter D. Head
December 1941 The Right Honourable Winston Churchill August 28, 1946 Field Marshal Montgomery
March 9, 1948
Barbara Ann Scott
December 21, 1948 His Worship Stanley Lewis
Keys to the City awarded by Her Worship Charlotte Whitton
Date Awarded
Recipient
September 10, 1951
Sir Denys Lowson
October 10, 1951
Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth
February 13, 1952
Field Marshall Lord Alexander
November 16, 1954
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
September 14, 1955
His Excellency Hubert Guérin
October 5, 1955
Dominion-Provincial Conference
October 11, 1955
Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood
June 27, 1956
His Excellency Sir Archibald Nye
December 12, 1956
The Honourable George Drew
Key to the City awarded by His Worship George Nelms
Date Awarded
Recipient
March 10, 1960
Anne Heggtveit
Keys to the City awarded by Her Worship Charlotte Whitton
Date Awarded
Recipient
April 10, 1961
The Right Honourable Harold MacMillan
April 3, 1962
His Excellency the Honourable Francis Lacoste
October 10, 1963
His Excellency The Right Honourable Viscount Amory
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Donald Reid
Date Awarded
Recipient
May 23, 1967
The Right Honourable Daniel Roland Michener and Mrs. Norah Michener
February 22, 1968
Nancy Greene
October 17, 1968
The Right Honourable Pierre Elliot Trudeau
November 22, 1969
Russell (Russ) Jackson
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Pierre Benoit
Date Awarded
Recipient
August 25, 1972
Paul Anka
October 24, 1973
William George Westwick
November 6, 1973
National Arts Centre Orchestra
August 7, 1974
Rich Little
October 20, 1974
Moe Racine
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Lorry Greenberg
Date Awarded
Recipient
October 9, 1976
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship “Carleton”
November 4, 1977
Frank Radford "Budge" Crawley
Keys to the City awarded by Her Worship Marion Dewar
Date Awarded
Recipient
August 26, 1980
Ken Taylor
October 15, 1983
Lorne Green
September 5, 1984
Sue Holloway
September 5, 1984
Linda Thom
November 11, 1984
William Hutt
December 10, 1984
Marc Garneau
1984
Gaétan Boucher
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship James Durrell
Date Awarded
Recipient
August 28, 1986
Richard Beecroft
October 27, 1986
Rick Hansen
March 2, 1988
Elizabeth Manley
January 13, 1989
Brian Kilrea
May 4, 1989
Frank Clair
November 6, 1989
President Corazon Aquino
October 24, 1990
Brian Law and the National Arts Centre Orchestra
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Marc Laviolette
Date Awarded
Recipient
May 10, 1991
Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem Grand Priory of Canada
June 21, 1991
Commodore Ken Summers
Keys to the City awarded by Her Worship Jacqueline Holzman
Date Awarded
Recipient
October 13, 1994
Dan Aykroyd
March 3, 1996
Alanis Morissette
July 7, 1997
Angela Hewitt
August 22, 1997
Bruce Cockburn
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Jim Watson
Date Awarded
Recipient
February 12, 1998
Bryan Adams
February 20, 1998
Peter Jennings
September 25, 1998
The University of Ottawa
February 19, 1999
Peter Mansbridge
November 12, 1999
Dave Smith
May 17, 2000
Yousuf and Malak Karsh
Key to the City awarded by Richard Cannings
Date Awarded
Recipient
August 2, 2000
Jim Watson
Keys to the City awarded by Allan Higdon
Date Awarded
Recipient
September 20, 2000
Margaret Atwood
December 6, 2000
Max Keeping
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Bob Chiarelli
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Larry O'Brien
Date Awarded
Recipient
May 29, 2007
The Commanding Officer of HMCS Ottawa
November 26, 2008
Pierre G. Pagé
February 18, 2010
Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka
Keys to the City awarded by His Worship Jim Watson
Date Awarded
Recipient
January 23, 2012
Maestro David Currie
November 19, 2012
Community Foundation of Ottawa
July 8, 2013
Sandra Oh
March 3, 2015
Daniel Alfredsson
March 22, 2016
The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada
May 5, 2016
Alex Trebek
March 20, 2017
Michel Picard
May 11, 2017
Algonquin College
June 18, 2017
Carleton University
June 19, 2017
Sheila Fraser
September 7, 2017
Henry Burris
December 4, 2017
The Honourable Murray Sinclair, Senator
April 18, 2018
The Right Honourable David Johnston and Mrs. Sharon Johnston
April 28, 2018
Moe Atallah
May 17, 2018
Peter A. Herrndorf
June 14, 2018
Hélène Campbell
November 1, 2018
Paul W. Dewar
April 29, 2019
Patrick Chan
May 1, 2019
Maureen McTeer
May 15, 2019
Dalton McGuinty
June 18, 2019
Ronald F. Caza
September 12, 2019
Sue Garvey
Mayor's City Builder Award
The Mayor's City Builder Award is a civic honour created to recognize an individual, group or organization that has, through their outstanding volunteerism or exemplary action, demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making our city a better place today and for the future. This may include life-long service, outstanding acts of kindness, inspiring charitable work, community building or any other exemplary achievements.
Eligibility
Members of City Council or the public may nominate individuals, groups or organizations. Any youth, adult, senior or group in the City of Ottawa who willingly volunteers their time and efforts to benefit others is eligible provided they live in, operate a business in, or volunteer within the City of Ottawa. 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, committee, board or agency representative. To nominate a candidate, the nominator should complete the nomination form describing the efforts and achievements of the nominee.
Selection process
Nominations for the Mayor’s City Builder Award may be completed online. The award recipient will be presented with a certificate from the Mayor and the Ward Councillor at the beginning of each Ottawa City Council meeting. The Mayor's Office will coordinate with the recipient's attendance at council. Recipients will be selected by the Mayor and notified by the Mayor's Office.
There is no deadline to apply and nominations shall be valid for one year after submissions, during which time the nominee may be selected to be recognized.
For more information:
Office of Mayor Jim Watson
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON
K1P 1J1
Phone 613-580-2424 extension 25426
Email jim.watson@ottawa.ca
Lieutenant-Colonel (Retd/à la retraite) Guy Robitaille
Karen Secord
2012 Recipients
Hi Carswell
Patricia (Pat) Clark
Jeremy Dias
CAWI (Suzanne Doerge)
Tom Flood
Michael Hanna
Hannah Hempinstall
Chris Henderson
Gord Jenkins
Kay Johnston
Madat Kara
Frank Licari
Margaret (Peggy) Lister
Diana Majury
Jeanine & Dean Otto
Peter Runia
Emily Tieu
David Truemner
Kathy Yach
2011 Recipients
Maurice Bilodeau
CTV Ottawa
Pierre Gauthier
Betty Giffin
Linda Graupner
Elizabeth Gravelle
John Gooch
John Higgins
Coralie Lalonde
Lionel Laurin
Lone Star Texas Grill (Baseline)
Navan for Kraft Hockeyville Committee / Comité de promotion de Navan au titre de Kraft Hockeyville
Phil Nguyen
Michaela Noffke
Daniel Richer
Ruweida Shire
Mohamed Sofa
Fran Squire
Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching
The Order of Ottawa celebrates outstanding citizens. This prestigious civic award recognizes exceptional citizen contributions in the many areas of city life including arts and culture, business, philanthropy, health care, education, public service, labour, communications and media, science, sports, entertainment or other fields of endeavour that benefit the citizens of Ottawa.
Eligibility
Any resident of Ottawa who has made a significant contribution in a professional capacity that has been of benefit to our community is eligible for nomination.
Submissions consisting exclusively of volunteer work will not be considered. Such submissions, however, could be considered for the Mayor's City Builder Award, a civic honour created to recognize outstanding volunteerism.
Nominations by immediate family members, self-nominations, and posthumous nominations will not be accepted. Municipal, provincial and federal officials are not eligible to be considered for this award while they are in office.
Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission.
Nomination Process
Please submit your nomination using the online form at the link below.
You can also download and print a copy of the nomination form (for print purposes only)
Mail to:
City of Ottawa
Order of Ottawa Selection Committee
c/o Office of Protocol and Intergovernmental Affairs
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
Deadline for nominations
The deadline for nominations for the Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching is Friday, September 9, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Selection
All nominations are considered by a Selection Committee comprised of the Mayor or Deputy Mayor, City Clerk, Chief of Police, Chief of Protocol, City Archivist, and the Chief Executive Officer, Library Services.
Investiture
The Mayor of the City of Ottawa invests the recipients at an annual civic ceremony. Recipients and their nominators are notified in advance of the investiture.
In 2003, in recognition of Brian Kilrea's 1,000th career victory, the City of Ottawa created the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching to acknowledge the contribution of an amateur coach who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership and commitment that have been the hallmarks of Brian Kilrea's exceptional career. The Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching will be presented at the Order of Ottawa awards ceremony.
An outstanding citizen may be nominated for either the Order of Ottawa or the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching.
Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching 2021
2021 Recipients
Michael Allen
Michael Allen has led United Way East Ontario for more than 20 years, growing the organization’s influence and impact as a champion of social justice, with the City of Ottawa as a key benefactor of this work.
Under Mr. Allen’s guidance, United Way has organized and advocated for local seniors’ wellbeing, early childhood development, employment equity, ending youth homelessness, and supporting youth struggling with addiction – for which he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by the late Mauril Bélanger, MP for Ottawa-Vanier.
Mr. Allen has also personally committed to countless community endeavours such as taking a lead on the Council of Partners for Success By 6; being a community champion for the provincial government’s investment in Early Years Centres; as a member of the Board of Directors for Crime Prevention Ottawa; a member of the Council of the Mayor’s Integrated Drug and Addiction Strategy; and Chair of Ontario’s AffordAbility Fund Trust addressing energy affordability.
Mr. Allen has also been a community leader as the city faced some of our toughest challenges: the Syrian refugee crisis, the opioid crisis, the tornadoes in 2018, and the floods of 2019.
Most recently, as the President and CEO of United Way East Ontario, Mr. Allen led the Community Response Table (CRT), a coalition of 100+ participants and 80 subject matter experts who worked together to deliver more than 60 rapid response solutions to support people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CRT has met more than 20 times since 2020, and its impact was recognized throughout our city, including being publicly acknowledged by the Prime Minister of Canada.
Sadaf Ebrahim
Sadaf Ebrahim is a proud Pakistani-Canadian and currently serving the community as President of the Canada-Pakistan Association (National Capital Region).
Ms. Ebrahim has been working hard in organizing social events, managing various awareness programs and volunteering her time to engage with people of all backgrounds to improve the socio-economic dimension of the community.
Sadaf Ebrahim started a movement called GREEN HELP to address climate change and empower newly immigrant women by providing them part-time jobs making cloth shopping bags.
Sadaf Ebrahim has also been appointed as a Pakistan Girls Education Ambassador. Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education (PAGE) acts as a platform for stakeholders, donors, policymakers, and practitioners to come together and address the gender gap in education in Pakistan and devise solutions to overcome the broader socio-economic challenges faced by the girls.
Sadaf Ebrahim uses every available platform to raise awareness about various community issues and to organize fundraising campaigns. She has successfully raised funds for organizations like the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, Multi Faith Housing Initiative Ottawa, Cure Women & Children in Bangladesh who are in dire need of medical treatment, and CHEO Foundation.
Ms. Ebrahim also serves as an active member of the community and has been recognized for her efforts, receiving the Appreciation Award for raising funds for Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, Immigrant Entrepreneur Award by City of Ottawa in 2017 and Canada 150 Award in 2017.
Ian Faris
Serving as the President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade for over six years, Ian Faris has worked to strengthen the City’s business community, in particular its role as a stakeholder in City, Provincial and Federal decision-making.
Mr. Faris oversaw the amalgamation of three Chambers of Commerce into one cohesive organization. Throughout the pandemic, the benefits of having a unified Ottawa Board of Trade involved in the City’s economic recovery, working for the benefit of its members and the broader business community, has been experienced firsthand.
As President and CEO, the Ottawa Board of Trade launched the Capital Build Task Force aimed at building momentum for City-building infrastructure projects, including the LeBreton Flats redevelopment, a new Civic Hospital campus, equitable distribution of jobs across all areas of the City, and the revitalization of the ByWard Market.
Ian Faris has taken on a national advocacy role as the Senior Vice President, Chamber Network Relations and Advocacy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. His expertise continues to serve the needs of the national and local business community.
Ian Faris continually demonstrated a commitment to serve his community through youth athletics. He has held several senior executive volunteer roles on basketball, soccer and community-based youth organizations, leading, organizing and fundraising to ensure that their seasons are successful and the youth are supported in their athletic goals. Ian is one of the founding members of The Hill Charity Golf Classic, whose mission is to fundraise for resources, and to provide financial support for youth athletics.
Barclay Frost
A fine sportsman, a first-class athlete, official, builder and volunteer, Barclay Frost has been recognized by the Ottawa Sports Awards, winning its Technical Official Award. In 2021, the National Officials’ Committee of Athletics honoured him for his 50 plus years of dedication to athletics, inducting him onto the Athletics Canada Wall of Honour.
A former teacher, Mr. Frost sparked enthusiasm and encouraged many of his students to pursue their interest in sport. He made it fun, coaching in a positive, kind manner that motivated many to strive to do their very best. His love of sport is contagious.
Barclay grew up on the playgrounds of Ottawa playing sports and learning life skills. He worked as a young adult for Parks and Recreation as a playground supervisor where he developed leadership and organizational skills that have continued all his life.
Now, at 80 years old, Mr. Frost continues to work tirelessly as an official in Athletics events that range from the Olympics, to international, national, provincial and local levels. As a member of the Ottawa Sports Awards (OSA) Committee for the last 18 years, Barclay Frosts’ leadership as Chair is inspirational to the team that organizes the Ottawa’s Sports Award Banquet which hosts over 600 athletes, officials, coaches, and their family members. He is very hands-on, charting the path to ensure that this event is successful and remains the most comprehensive and inclusive amateur sports recognition awards event in Canada.
He has been an active basketball official for over 30 years, officiating all levels. As a resident of Munster Hamlet, Barclay Frost regularly puts on his goaltender equipment to play old-timers' hockey, participates in curling and golf and loves to go camping with his wife Janet.
Jeff Hunt
Jeff Hunt left his family home in Newfoundland for Ottawa in 1983 to pursue his entrepreneurial vision. In his first year in Ottawa, Mr. Hunt started a carpet cleaning firm, Canway, and over the next 15 years, franchised it, expanded into the US and sold the thriving business to Sears. That sale, in 1998, enabled Mr. Hunt to pursue his dream of owning and managing a hockey team, the Ottawa 67’s.
Mr. Hunt’s success with the 67’s was sighted by the Canadian Football League as an important factor in its decision to award an expansion franchise to Ottawa. Mr. Hunt, along with other community partners, set out in 2006 to bid for the expansion of the CFL franchise as well as the redevelopment of Ottawa's Lansdowne Park. The partners banded together to form the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, to which Jeff Hunt was President. That franchise, the Ottawa Redblacks, and Jeff Hunt’s vision brought the CFL back to Ottawa and saw the team rise to win a championship in only three years, winning the Grey Cup in 2016.
In recent months, Jeff Hunt has partnered with European soccer franchise Atletico Madrid on the ownership of an Ottawa franchise, Atletico Ottawa, in the Canadian Premier League.
During his career, Jeff Hunt’s accomplishments have been recognized with multiple awards, including five Profit Magazine Fast-100 and two Fast-50 awards. He has also been named OHL and Canadian Hockey League Executive of the Year and in 2015 he was named to the Yahoo Canada Sports list of the top 25 “Movers and Shakers” who have the most influence over sport in Canada. In January 2017, Jeff was named Ottawa’s Favorite Entrepreneur by Faces Magazine.
Amanda Jetté Knox
Amanda Jetté Knox is an award-winning author, journalist, public speaker, and human rights advocate for the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Amanda is a nonbinary person, the mother of a nonbinary child, and the spouse of a transgender woman. Amanda has shared her experiences with the world, advocating on behalf of loving, inclusive families everywhere. Amanda’s work, both in activism and in writing, teaches the perspective “lead with love”. Amanda dedicates her time to improving healthcare access, school environments, and overall acceptance not only for her child, but for all of the trans and nonbinary children who follow.
Mx. Jetté Knox’s 2019 book, "Love Lives Here: A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family", was a national bestseller, an Indigo Staff Pick of the Month, and finalist for the 2020 Ottawa Book Awards. Her writing and her family's journey have been profiled on CBC, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Today’s Parent, Upworthy, Buzzfeed, O Magazine, The Today Show, and various other national and international publications, podcasts and media outlets.
Amanda expanded her advocacy to become a visible spokesperson for families. Over the years, Amanda has strived towards reaching as many parents as possible, with the goal of ensuring every single child in our local community (and beyond) has the opportunity to thrive.
Amanda is a 2019 Chatelaine Woman of the Year, one of 2020’s Top 25 Women of Influence, was on Today’s Parents’ Most Influential Parents list, and was recognized for her community service at the 2021 Redblacks season opener game.
Mark Kaluski
Mark Kaluski is the President of the local consulting firm Hashmark Strategies. With an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry Mr. Kaluski worked in public service before founding Hashmark in 2008, which operates four local businesses.
Mark Kaluski has made significant contributions to Ottawa’s business community through his volunteer work with many municipal panels in areas of economic development, public health, planning, and francophone issues. He serves as the chair of the Vanier Business Improvement Area (BIA) since 2010, and co-founder and chair of the Ottawa Coalition of BIAs (OCOBIA) since 2016. He has spent countless hours bringing businesses together city-wide to help amplify their voices and advocate on their behalf to all levels of government.
Mr. Kaluski’s steadfast leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has helped the city’s 19 BIAs navigate the ever-changing challenges businesses have faced. He spearheaded lobbying efforts that led to local support initiatives, rent and wage subsidies, and other provincial and federal programs. After seeing the pandemic’s impact on small business owners, he organized the Small Business Mental Health Forum to connect people in need with health professionals. He has selflessly supported many small business owners, all while endeavouring to save his own businesses.
Mark Kaluski is a proud Ottawan and a staunch defender of the Vanier community through its ongoing challenges, while remaining a keen champion for its potential. Be it navigating development files, community issues, or a philanthropy project for one of Vanier’s community organizations, Mr. Kaluski is a gracious and generous leader.
Pat Kelly
Pat Kelly began his long career in hospitality and tourism with the Westin Hotels and Resorts chain. After 14 years with Westin, including 5 years as General Manager of the Westin Ottawa, Mr. Kelly was recruited by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts to be the General Manager of the legendary Chateau Laurier. He later became Vice-President of Fairmont for the Pacific Northwest Region, and was responsible for many hotels in BC and Seattle Washington before returning to Ottawa in 2005 to become the Dean, School of Hospitality and Tourism for Algonquin College.
In 2007, Mr. Kelly became President of the Ottawa Congress Centre and was instrumental in his leadership in the design, development, and opening of the Ottawa Convention Centre (now The Shaw Centre), recently recognized by Canadian and international convention planners as the finest convention centre in the world. As President and CEO of the Shaw Centre, Mr. Kelly was instrumental in attracting the international One Young World Summit to Ottawa in 2016.
Pat Kelly has served the local tourism industry with distinction on Ottawa Tourism’s Board of Directors and as a former Chair. He was also a Board member and Vice Chair of the Ottawa International Airport, and a past Board member of the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, Operation Come Home and the Ottawa Board of Trade.
Pat Kelly is currently a successful tourism consultant, leading his own firm, Pat Kelly Consulting, which provides consulting services and expertise to hospitality and tourism organizations. He is also a partner in FLOOR 13, a boutique tourism consulting firm providing diverse insight and fresh approaches to traditional problem-solving.
In all of these activities, Mr. Kelly has been a remarkable champion of tourism for the City of Ottawa, not only promoting Ottawa across Canada, but around the world.
Dr. Isra Levy
After graduating as a physician in South Africa, Isra Levy immigrated to Canada and completed postgraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, specializing in epidemiology and Public Health.
Dr. Levy was the founding director of the Office for Public Health at the Canadian Medical Association, where he helped launch a Mental Health Support Network and advocated for enhancement of mental health services, before joining the City of Ottawa’s Public Health Department and becoming the City’s Medical Officer of Health. During his 11 years with Ottawa Public Health he expanded programming in mental health and addictions, and guided innovative public health initiatives including the response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and expansion of the City of Ottawa’s smoke-free spaces legislation. He worked in partnership with Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) on many initiatives for vulnerable tenants including declaring OCH homes and communities smoke free.
Dr. Levy is currently a member of the executive management team at Canadian Blood Services, where he oversees research and medical programs. He is the recent past vice-chair of the Board for the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, has participated in the governance of local health and social service agencies, and is a current member of the Board of Public Health Ontario.
Isra is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa, and was named the Physician of the Year by the Ottawa Academy of Medicine in 2010. In 2018 he was bestowed an honorary life membership by the Canadian Public Health Association in recognition of his work as an educator, researcher and practitioner in the field of public health.
Dr. Danielle Lussier
Dr. Lussier is Red River Métis and mother of three, born and raised in the homeland of the Métis Nation on Treaty 1 Territory. She relocated to Ottawa to pursue her post-secondary education at the University of Ottawa in 2002.
Dr. Lussier is a legal scholar, the Director of Community and Indigenous Relations, and Professor of Indigenous Legal Orders at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa. She has previously served as advocate for legislation and law reform on behalf of the Canadian Bar Association, as a legal analyst for the Parliamentary Research and Information Service at the Library of Parliament, and as legal counsel to a federal administrative tribunal.
Her work to centre Indigenous Legal Pedagogies and ways of knowing in legal education is revolutionizing the teaching of law in Ottawa and across Ontario. Dr. Lussier’s approaches to teaching and learning support Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in engaging both heart knowledge and mind knowledge; as she often says, if you are only learning with your head, you are only understanding half the story.
Dr. Lussier is co-chair of the Indigenous Advisory Group of the Law Society of Ontario, Trustee of the Ontario Bar Association Foundation, and a Director of the Ottawa Community Foundation, and as member of the Indigenous Education Committee of the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario, supporting reconciliation efforts in elementary and secondary schools in Eastern Ontario. In these roles, she amplifies Indigenous community members’ voices within the legal profession and the community at large.
Dr. Lussier’s efforts advance the critical work of reconciliation through community building, while also supporting Métis intellectual self-determination and decolonization of education systems.
HCol Daniel Mackay
For more than four decades, Honorary Colonel Daniel Mackay has served in the Canadian Army Reserve with The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own), the City of Ottawa’s Official Regiment. HCol Mackay served as Commanding Officer of the Regiment on two occasions. Following his retirement from the Regiment he was subsequently recognized for his service by being appointed first Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel and then Honorary Colonel. In addition, he has served for over twenty-five years as a voluntary Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
HCol Mackay founded the Regimental Museum of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own) in 1977. He was successful in obtaining Canadian Forces accreditation for the museum which showcases a large collection of uniforms, photographs, medals and other memorabilia dating back to the regiment’s inception in Ottawa in 1862.
HCol Mackay has served over twenty-five years with Federal District Council of St. John Ambulance. During this time, he served as President, and continues to serve as a member on their Board of Directors. His efforts have allowed St. John Ambulance to continue serving the public and businesses in Ottawa during very difficult times such as the Ice Storm of 1998, and more recently with local floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The commitment of HCol Mackay is also outstanding when dealing with the veteran community in the City of Ottawa. He has been involved in a major fundraising effort with the Perley Health Community of Care, aiming to raise $10 million of capital funds in order to achieve their goals and objectives.
From advancing the social and economic development interests of Canada’s capital while serving in the Canadian Army Reserve and with various volunteer organizations, HCol Mackay exemplifies dedication and commitment to the City of Ottawa.
Daljit S. Nirman
Since immigrating to Canada in 2000, Daljit S. Nirman has dedicated his life to repaying his adopted homeland by serving and supporting those in need. Mr. Nirman has contributed tens of thousands of hours for nearly two decades in support of dozens of local causes.
Mr. Nirman is alumnus of the University of Ottawa and in 2004, he established a law practice that focused on human rights and immigration matters, but often chose to offer his services pro-bono to members of marginalized communities of South-Asian diaspora. He recognized that many of these individuals did not have access to professional legal representation, through a combination of limited means, a poor understanding of the legal system as well as language, cultural barriers, and prejudice.
Beyond his profession, Mr. Nirman has been a devoted and passionate community builder and advocate. He has taken on a variety of causes ranging from mental health, addictions treatment, community safety and youth poverty.
Daljit S. Nirman has served on the boards of numerous non-profit and community-based organizations to lead various philanthropic endeavours including The Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa, The United Way East Ontario, Montfort Hospital, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization and University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He saw the opportunity to further inspire and engage members of the Indo-Canadian community to become more directly involved in solving our community’s toughest challenges, alongside United Way.
Mr. Nirman was appointed as Member of the Ottawa Police Services Board, where his legal mind, courage, humanity, and profound sense of social justice have helped to guide an organization that is central to the well-being of Ottawa’s citizenry and measure for justice in our community.
Barry Padolsky
Barry Padolsky is an Ottawa-based architect, urban designer and heritage consultant with over 50 years of experience. As the principal of his firm, Barry Padolsky & Associates Inc. Architects, he has led close to two hundred significant architectural, urban design and heritage conservation projects and numerous smaller projects in the National Capital Region.
Perhaps best known for his long and extensive involvement with heritage conservation, starting with co-chairing of the Citizens’ Committee to save the Rideau Convent in 1972, his energetic involvements, often pro bono, have led to numerous and significant achievements in heritage conservation in our City. Mr. Padolsky has been instrumental in the design, restoration, renovation and adaption of buildings throughout Ottawa including the Ottawa Art Gallery/Arts Court, Global Centre for Pluralism, Government Conference Centre, Museum of Nature, Fleet Street Pumping Station, Ottawa Teacher’s College, and the By Ward Market Building. Barry Padolsky’s service to his community is further reflected in the public boards and committees on which he has served including, the City of Ottawa Design Committee, the Rideau Centre Public Advisory Committee, Heritage Ottawa, Action Sandy Hill, the City of Ottawa Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and the City of Ottawa Built Heritage Sub Committee. Through his commitment to enhancing Ottawa’s built environment, Barry Padolsky has helped to make our nation’s capital a more visually and culturally engaging city that is enjoyed by its residents and the thousands of Canadians and international visitors who come here to experience its pleasures.
Ian Sherman
Ian Sherman is a recently retired Partner in the EY Ottawa Office with over 35 years of public accounting experience. He managed the Ottawa Tax Practice of approximately 90 professionals.
Mr. Sherman is continuing as a Contractor at EY in addition to assuming corporate director and family business advisory roles through his new company, Relationship Capital Inc.Ian Sherman was an Instructor for the CPA Canada In-Depth Income Tax Course for over 10 years. From 2007 to 2011, Ian was Chair of the Tax Courses Committee and subsequently became Chair of CPA Canada’s Income Tax Education Committee.
He was elected as a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario in 2006 in recognition of his professional achievements and contributions. In 2013, Ian received the CPA Canada Award for Excellence in Income Tax in recognition of outstanding service to the profession and the Canadian tax community.
Ian Sherman is currently Chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa-Gatineau Youth Foundation. He also has deep roots in the Ottawa Jewish community as the current Chair of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and a Past Chair of the Soloway Jewish Community Centre and Congregation Beth Shalom.
Mr. Sherman has been recognized many times for his community service, most recently receiving the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Ottawa Philanthropy Award as 2021 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser and the 2021 Rabbi Dr. Reuven Bulka Award from the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. In 2009, Ian was recognized as the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year.
Grace Xue Xin
Grace Xin came to Ottawa in 1999 as an international student attending the University of Ottawa. Since then, she has found home in the capital region of Canada and her adopted country and hometown have given her a lot of opportunities to contribute to society and the neighbourhoods where she works and lives. During Grace’s 13-year tenure as the Executive Director of the Somerset Street Chinatown Business Improvement Area (BIA), she worked tirelessly to promote and support the main street businesses in the area through organizing artistic and cultural events and implementing key initiatives.
In 2010, she was selected by the Ottawa Life Magazine as one of the Top Fifty People in the capital city of Canada for her role in leading an international project team to fundraise for and build the stunning Ottawa-Beijing twin-city project – the Chinatown Gateway. This project has won a prestigious “Project of the Year” award given by the American Public Works Association in 2011.
Locally and nationally, Grace was an active contributor to the Canada-China Tourism development through her professional and volunteer work with Ottawa Tourism and the Tourism Industry of Canada. In 2015, Grace was given the Volunteer of the Year Award by Ottawa Tourism. She frequently organized familiarization tours, delivered speeches, workshops and training sessions on destination development and how to serve the Chinese inbound market—one of the major inbound markets for Canada. This work has taken Grace to every province and every territory in Canada.
Currently, Grace is the Vice President, Philanthropic Services & Community Building at the Ottawa Community Foundation. She continues her journey in helping Ottawa fulfill its potential as a healthy, inclusive, environmentally balanced, and culturally and economically vibrant city.
Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching Recipients
Manock Lual
Manock Lual is a former pro-basketball player who came to Canada as a refugee from South Sudan and grew up in Overbrook.
Coach Manock is Founder and Head Coach of Prezdential, a non-profit that is dedicated to bridging the gap faced by disadvantaged youth in Ottawa, and particularly racialized youth living in low-income communities. Mr. Lual offers free basketball and life skills programming strengthened by partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club, Ottawa Community Foundation and local community associations and resource centres.
Coach Manock’s ability to coach young athletes goes beyond the game of basketball. His individualistic style of coaching and charisma throughout training sessions applies to all ages, and practice sessions are more than about building better players but becoming better people through sport.
Coach Manock fosters an environment of acceptance and positivity that follows participants into their communities. During a year plagued by limitations for physical closeness, Coach Manock showed how his leadership translates into community development. Coach Manock and his team at Prezdential Basketball supported the youth of Ottawa through initiatives that aided their general mental health and wellbeing. Prezdential Basketball now includes financial literacy programming, cooking classes, a youth media program, an annual backpack drive, after school programming, and the Overbrook Show.
While his basketball prowess is renowned, it is his work to mentor youth, using basketball as a tool, which makes Coach Manock remarkable.
Julie Richards
Coach Julie Richards of the West Ottawa Basketball Association (WOBA) and Holy Trinity Catholic High School, coaches players with unwavering leadership, commitment and dedication. Coach Julie has been Head Coach of a WOBA competitive basketball team for 5 years, but her basketball coaching experience includes house league, club competitive basketball, high school basketball and spans many age groups (from ages 10 to 18).
A few weeks into the first COVID-19 lockdown, Coach Julie enthusiastically embraced technology and organized hour-long weekly Zoom meetings/workouts to keep the boys focused, physically active, and engaged. Through these weekly Zoom calls, the boys would practice drills in front of the camera, engaged in conversations on health – mental and physical – as well as nutrition, drill challenges and many other topics the boys wanted to discuss. These workouts provided these youth with stability, stimulation and motivation during an unprecedented time. Her leadership and support kept the boys engaged and involved during a time where most kids slipped into isolation.
Beyond the court, Coach Julie has also had a monumental impact in developing the character of these teenage boys. An example of her creating a culture of giving back occurred during the month of December 2020, when Coach Julie introduced a Calendar of Gratitude that challenged the boys to come up with and demonstrate an act of kindness every day of the month, including anything from simple gestures such as helping a family member wash dishes or help a sibling with homework, to leading food and toy drives for less fortunate families.
Coach Julie has always led by example by demonstrating the very best that a coach can offer, a passion for excellence, hard work, respect for your teammates and your opposition, and an unbelievable sense of sportsmanship.
