Awards and Recognition

The Order of Ottawa, established in 2012, celebrates outstanding citizens of Ottawa. This prestigious, civic award recognizes exceptional citizens who have achieved the highest level of excellence and achievement in many fields of endeavour, have brought honour and prestige to themselves and made significant contributions to the community that benefit the citizens of Ottawa. 

Please take a moment to nominate an Ottawa resident whose extraordinary work and dedication have helped make Ottawa a better place to live.

Eligibility Terms and Criteria

Any resident of Ottawa who has made a major impact, influence and outstanding benefit to our community and the broader community through career and community contributions is eligible for nomination.

Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission. Supplemental information outlining new significant accomplishments and contributions can be submitted by the original nominator to OrderofOttawa@ottawa.ca

Ineligible Criteria

Nomination submissions consisting exclusively of volunteer work will not be considered. 

Ineligible Nominations

• self-nominations
• nominations of immediate family members
• posthumous nominations
• elected federal, provincial, or municipal politician currently in office
• sitting judge of any court
• municipal, provincial, and federal officials currently in office
• A volunteer

Nomination Process

Please submit your nomination using the online form at the link below.

Order of Ottawa nomination form

Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching nomination form

You can also download and print a copy of the nomination form (for print purposes only)

Mail print nomination form 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 nomination deadline is Friday, September 13, 2024 at 11:59 P.M. EST.   

Selection Process

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.

Past recipients

Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching

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. 

 Information

• Call 3-1-1
• E-mail orderofottawa@ottawa.ca

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

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 Veterans Week each year during the month of November. This event hosted by the Mayor of the City of Ottawa not only pays tribute to the many men and women who have served and are currently serving their country, it is an opportunity to honour one of our local veterans (deceased) at an intimate event in the presence of family and friends. As part of the event, the Mayor will present a replica of the actual street sign to members of the family.

2023 – Captain (N) Thomas George Fuller

Left to Right: Victoria Fuller, Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, His Worship Mark Sutcliffe, Elder Verna MacGregor.

Thomas George Fuller IV was born in Ottawa in 1908. The son of Thomas William Fuller III and Grandson of Thomas Fuller II, both Chief Architects of Canada.

Mr. Fuller enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR), “the wavy navy” in 1939 as an Acting Lieutenant, nicknamed “gramps” at the age of 31. At that time, he was a successful building contractor. Determined to volunteer for action, he sold his interest in Fuller Construction to his partner for $1.00.

Thomas George Fuller served on loan to the Royal Navy during the war where he skippered Motor Torpedo and Gun Boats (MTBs & MGBs) in the English Channel, Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic including commanding the 61^st Gunboat Flotilla, a force of eight torpedo gunboats. Fuller became known as the “Pirate of the Adriatic” for his way of revolutionizing small boat warfare with his Nelson-like tactics. His daring resulted in the capture of a dozen enemy cargo vessels, the results of which helped to supply Marshal Tito and the Partisans in former Yugoslavia. His flotilla captured or sank 25 ships in ten days.

Captain Fuller served “in harm’s way.” Within the Canadian Navy, he holds the distinction of the longest time served in offensive action with 105 surface gun actions and operations involving fire and more than 30 additional actions not involving fire during which 13 of his vessels were “written off”. He was captured, taken prisoner, and later escaped from the Germans on the island of Vis on the Dalmatian Coast.

Thomas G Fuller was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, “in recognition of acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy at sea,” three times (one of only five members of the service to have been so awarded) and by the King’s order was mentioned in a Dispatch for distinguished service in 1944. The following year Fuller was appointed Commanding Officer of HMCS Naden, in British Columbia, leading over 6,000 personnel at its peak. From 1949-1952, Fuller served as Commanding Officer of HMCS Carleton, and was promoted to Captain, Royal Canadian Navy Reserves in 1951.

The wording on the National Naval Reserve Monument in Ottawa echoes the words of Winston Churchill “The reservist is twice the citizen,” a reminder of the dual identity of Naval Reservists. It is this dual role that allowed Fuller to resume his civilian business while continuing to serve his country.

Captain Fuller passed away in Ottawa in May 1994.

Metcalfe Realty Limited have agreed to add “voie Captain Fuller Way” in their Queensview Drive development in Ward 7.

2022 – Flying Officer Arthur Roger Griffiths

Left to Right: Councillor Glen Gower, Ward 6 Stittsville, Amanda Brazeau, Veterans Affairs Canada, Kevin Yemm, Richcraft Homes, Lynn Griffths, His Worship Jim Watson, Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament, Ottawa-West Nepean

Arthur Roger Griffiths (always known as Roger) joined the Royal Canadian Armed Forces in August 1942 in Montreal with service in Lachine, Victoriaville, Moncton, Arnprior, Trenton, Cartierville and Borden. He served the duration of World War II with no overseas service. He was an instructor and trained Commonwealth pilots at CFB Uplands and the Carp Airport. Mr. Griffiths was commissioned to Flying Officer in October 1943 and discharged in October 1945.  

Mr. Griffiths was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal 1939-1945, as well as the General Service Badge and Royal Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Badge upon discharge. He was a long-time resident of Stittsville, serving as Councillor for the Township of Goulbourn from 1977 to 1978 and again from 1982 to 1988 until his passing on November 17, 1988. Mr. Griffiths also served as president of the Stittsville Royal Canadian Legion branch for five terms, served on almost all committees and played a significant role in the erection of the Stittsville cenotaph. For his many years of involvement, Mr. Griffiths was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion’s highest honour. ​​​​​​​

The street blade for Roger Griffiths Avenue, located in the Richcraft Homes Mapleton subdivision in Stittsville, now features the Poppy symbol, the universal sign of remembrance.

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 42^nd Regiment Guard Detachment, and then served for two years with the 130^th Overseas Battalion.  On April 15, 1917, Private Stoqua succumbed to his wounds at the General Hospital in Boulogne, France, as a part of the 75^th 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 107^th 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 21^st, 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 4^th 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. William LeBoutillier 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.

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:

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.

2022 Recipients

• Sharon Armstrong
• Association des auxiliaires du Centre d'accueil Champlain
• Yves Brunet
• Susan Cameron
• Gail Church
• Ken Craig
• Neil Falls
• Sylvain de Margerie
• Mandy Hambly
• Denise Herbert
• David Kalil
• Angelica Kalubiaka
• Rachelle Lecours
• Zexi Li
• Tim McIntryre
• Norm Robillard
• Streetcar 696
• The Ottawa Senior Pride Network
• Grace Thrasher
• Ward Tresham
• Danilo Velasquez

2020 Recipients

• Big Brothers Big Sister of Ottawa
• Jennifer Cook Baniczky
• Gurbachan Singh Bedi
• Tom Marcantonio
• Paul O'Kane

2019 Recipients

• Dr. Mohd Jamal Alsharif
• Bereaved Families of Ontario – Ottawa Region
• Dylan Black
• Bruce Campbell
• Richard and Brian Cooper (Cooper Brothers)
• Sanchit and Riya Gupta (MealCare)
• Janet Mason
• Betty Hope-Gittens
• Sister Lorena Morris
• Avery & Rowan Parkinson
• Moses Abayomi Pratt & Kelly Dikeledi Pratt
• Rohit Saxena
• Lynn Stacey
• Kim Steele
• StopGap Ottawa
• Greg Thurlow
• Trend-Arlington Community Association
• Al Tweedle
• Rasha Yacob

2018 Recipients

• Jacob Baylin
• Billings Bridge Pacesetters Walking Club
• June Girvin
• Dallas Greeley
• Samia Hirani
• Catherine Kelly
• Graham Macmillan
• Elio Marcantonio
• Tony Mariani
• Osman Naqvi
• Chris Nihmey
• Proud To Be Me
• Albert Tang
• Karen Taylor
• Ali Tejpar
• Russ Thomas
• Mary Ann Varley
• Agnes Warda
• Mark Wigmore
• Catherine Wilcox

2017 Recipients

• Rabbi Cantor / Cantor rabbin Daniel Benlolo
• Christo Bilukidi
• John Blatherwick
• John Brummell
• Michael Deyell
• Kay Dubie & Liz Tucker Bob Easy
• Judy & Al Graham
• Very Reverend Father 
• Patrick Lin
• Qamar Masood
• Glenn Mooney
• Heather Murphy
• Ibrahim Musa
• Lee Ann Napiorkowski
• Ottawa 2017 Volunteers 
• Ottawa Police Chorus 
• Sharon Roper
• Don Winchester

2016 Recipients

• Al and Betty Arseneault
• Klaus Beltzner
• Bon Appetit Ottawa
• Bruce Brayman
• Elizabeth Dessureault
• Friends of the Greenboro Library
• Marcel Gibeault
• Girls+ Skate 613
• Zachary Graves
• Donna Gray
• Debbie Heuchert
• Louise Staranczak and Frances Kane
• Reverend Joseph Kiirya
• Gina LaPointe
• Tysen Lefebvre
• Frances and Ronald MacDonell
• Divya Massilamani
• Giuseppe (Joe) Nicastro
• Pamela Tourigny

2015 Recipients

• Aldege Bellefeuille
• Randy Born
• Marie-Eve Chainey
• Jonathan Chow
• Dr. Safaa Fouda
• Stuart Holmes
• Margaret Knight
• Mitchell Kurylowicz
• Kerry MacLean
• Daniel McCarthy
• Marie McIntosh
• Mes P'tits Copains
• Joseph Oombash
• Louis Patry
• Peter Ryan
• Jean Séguin
• Omar Sultan
• Helen Synek
• Chris Taylor

2014 Recipients

• Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blum
• Catherine Burns
• Carol Burrows
• Citizens for Safe Cycling
• Wendy Daniels
• Laura Dubois
• Nicole Fortier
• Shelby Hayter
• Amyn Keshavjee
• Doreen Lebano
• Susan MacLatchy
• Captain Tim McKee
• Bill Robinson
• Patricia Tait
• John Therien
• David Vesey

2013 Recipients

• Major William Berry
• Harley Bloom
• Laura Bouchard
• Brothers Dubé
• Jatiner Chadha
• Gay Cook
• Joseph Cull
• Sarah Dehler
• Allison Dingle
• Grete Hale
• Chris Hughes
• Floralove Katz
• Gilles LeVasseur
• MAJIC Morning (Stuntman Stu, Angie Poirier & Trisha Owens)
• Brian Mulligan
• Mark O’Neill
• 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

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

The Mayor's Office offers certificates of congratulations to Ottawa residents celebrating milestone birthdays or anniversaries as well as military retirement letters. You can request a certificate of congratulations from the Mayor online.

Please allow two weeks for certificate preparation. Once the request is submitted and processed, the certificate will be mailed to the mailing address provided on the form.