Media Release - West Vancouver Community Awards Recognize Community Builders

Monday, November 28, 2011

 West Vancouver, BC:  West Vancouver is a special place because of the dedication and commitment of volunteers who contribute to a strong, vibrant and healthy community. The District of West Vancouver’s Community Awards are one way to recognize the efforts of a few, but the commitment of so many to West Vancouver. The Community Awards working group managed the awards process and made the final recipient selections.

Mayor Goldsmith-Jones says: “We are very grateful for how high our community aims.  It is a joy to celebrate these outstanding examples of citizenship.”

Awards will be presented at the Monday, November 28 Council meeting. A reception will be hosted at the West Vancouver Museum shortly after the award presentation. All are welcome.

Information on Award Recipients

Environment Award: Tarah Stafford
Tarah Stafford is helping her Eagle Island neighbours towards a more sustainable future. She has organized a number of environmental community events focussed on innovative green technology which encourage community building, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Tara has played an important role in advancing the energy audits of homes on Eagle Harbour Island. In April, she was asked to represent the District of West Vancouver along with Mayor Goldsmith-Jones and Councillor Trish Panz at the 6th Annual United Nations’ Global Forum on Human Settlement in New York, where West Vancouver was recognized as a Global Green City.

Environment Award: Katharine Steig and Alan Bardsley
Katharine Steig and Alan Bardsley have worked tirelessly to bring together the Mountain Bike and Conservation communities in the Old Growth Conservancy on Hollyburn Ridge. As a result of their efforts there’s been an unprecedented level of cooperation between these groups. Their unique vision and perseverance has led to the creation of a monitoring program, increased environmental awareness among Mountain Bikers, and improved community dialogue in the Rogers Creek development process. Katharine and Alan’s commitment to the Upper Lands has led to a collaborative policy that protects the area’s unique environmental landscape while preserving its incredible recreational opportunities.

Environmental Award: Walter Thorneloe
Walter Thorneloe has worked hard to protect West Vancouver’s one of a kind natural environment. Throughout his years with British Pacific Properties, and in conjunction with his numerous volunteer positions for the Climate Action Working Group, Streamkeeper Society, Coho Society and Upper Land Steering Committee, Walter has been a great friend of West Vancouver’s outdoors. His cooperation with the Streamkeeper society led to the reestablishment of fish to Hadden Creek above the highway, the installation of fish ladders at Stevens Drive and McDonald Creek along with countless culvert and stream improvements throughout the district. Walter has dedicated many hours to advancing the study of tailed frog abundance across West Vancouver. His dedication to West Vancouver’s aquatic environment is unparallel and will ensure the District’s natural splendour can be appreciated for generations to come.
 
Environment Award: John Barker
A long time member and current President of the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society, John Barker is already regarded as one of the organization’s greatest stewards. Lauded for his tireless work, John has overseen the consolidation of the Society’s work plan, the creation of a Student Outreach program in collaboration with West Vancouver’s school district, the improvement of the society’s newsletter and website, as well as an expansion of the Storm Drain Marking Program. Greatly valued for his hands-on approach and positive attitude, John’s contributions to environmental protection and education cannot be overstated.

Heritage Award: Hollyburn Ridge Association
The hard work of numerous individuals within the Hollyburn Ridge Association has led to long term tenure being secured for cabins on Hollyburn Ridge for the first time in 85 years. Countless hours of behind the scenes negotiations, as well as the difficulty of addressing the needs of 80 permit holders, were necessary to reach this point, but it now means these historic cabins and their occupants have certainty for the years ahead. The hard work of all the Hollyburn Ridge Association members means that the centennial of the Cabins Alive movement is sure to be celebrated in 15 years' time. Jackie Swanson and Catherine Rockandel will be accepting this award on behalf of the entire Hollyburn Ridge Association.

Heritage Award: West Vancouver Historical Society
Over the past few years, the West Vancouver Historical Society has written, promoted and produced a commemorative book on the history of West Vancouver in time for the centennial celebration in 2012. Titled Cottages to Community: The Story of West Vancouver’s Neighbourhoods, the work charts the progression of West Vancouver from its earliest indigenous residents all the way to the modern day. The hard work of individuals such as author Francis Mansbridge, archivist John Moir, Chairman Jim Carter as well as the many members of the Society’s Board of Directors and Book Committee has allowed this vital record of West Vancouver’s history to become a reality. This award is being accepted by Jim Carter on behalf of the entire West Vancouver Historical Society. Jim Carter has dedicated the past three years to promoting the book, securing project funding, generating broad community interest, and using every opportunity to tell the story of West Vancouver.

About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.

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Media Contact Jessica Delaney Director of Communications
c: 604-360-8131 | d: 604-925-4736 | e: jdelaney@westvancouver.ca