Civic & Community Awards
The Civic & Community Awards
The City of Kelowna's Civic & Community Awards recognize outstanding contributions and achievements in our city each year. The award program includes categories for youth, artists, athletes, volunteers, businesses and volunteer organizations.
Winners of the 51st annual awards were announced at the awards ceremony held at Kelowna Community Theatre on May 4, 2025. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners! Learn more about the top three category finalists below.
Nominations for the 52nd annual Civic & Community Awards will open in fall 2026.
Teen Honour in the Arts
Sponsored by UBC Okanagan
Awarded to a youth who has made an outstanding contribution in Kelowna through cultural and/or artistic efforts.
The Teen Honour in the Arts award recipient will also receive a $500 entrance scholarship for the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies or other selected UBCO faculty.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Payton Bischoff - winner
- Tim Derochie
- Julian Cucinschi
Honour in the Arts
Supported by ArtsCo
Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in Kelowna through cultural and/or artistic efforts.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Dr. Cole Mash - winner
- Robert Payne
- Valaura Jones
Fred Macklin and Sarah Donalda-Treadgold Memorial Citizen of the Year
Sponsored by Fortis BC
Awarded to a citizen in recognition of their overall outstanding voluntary contributions to Kelowna.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Dr. Paul Clark - winner
- Gurleen Gang
- Barb Egan
Young Citizen of the Year
Sponsored by Crowe MacKay
Awarded to a young citizen in recognition of their overall outstanding voluntary contributions to Kelowna. Winner will receive a cash bursary of $2000 and finalists will receive $1000 each.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Dilynn Scott - winner
- Mateo Porter-Partida
- Nadifa Omar
Bob Giordano Memorial Award - Coach/Sport Administrator of the Year
Awarded to an individual who has contributed significantly to Kelowna through voluntary service to amateur sport, such as coaching or administrative support.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Ashlee Davison - winner
- Clay Stothers
- Daryle Assman
Bryan Couling Memorial Award - Athletic Team of the Year
Sponsored by SK Architect
Awarded to the Kelowna based team (amateur or professional) who brought the greatest amount of recognition to Kelowna.
51st annual awards finalists:
- UBCO Heat - Women's Softball - winner
- Okanagan FC U16 - Boys Soccer
- KMH - Kelowna Rockets - U11B Hockey
Athlete of the Year - Female
Sponsored by the Payton and Dillon Memorial Fund
Awarded to a female athlete (amateur or professional) who brought the greatest amount of recognition to Kelowna.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Kassidy Rutledge - winner
- Lily Stroda
- Julia Alexander-Carew
Athlete of the Year - Male
Sponsored by the Payton and Dillon Memorial Fund
Awarded to a male athlete (amateur or professional) who brought the greatest amount of recognition to Kelowna.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Finley Cashin - winner
- Matthys Weststrate
- Paul Atkin
Augie Ciancone Memorial Award - Young Female Athlete
Awarded to the most outstanding female high school athlete in the area of the Central Okanagan. Winner is chosen by the Okanagan Central Schools Athletic Association.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Karina Haggerty - winner (tie)
- Layna Haggerty - winner (tie)
- Alexa Latt
Augie Ciancone Memorial Award - Young Male Athlete
Awarded to the most outstanding male high school athlete in the area of the Central Okanagan. Winner is chosen by the Okanagan Central Schools Athletic Association.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Haydn Bosma - winner
- Finley Stewart
Isaac Hamilton
The Central Okanagan Foundation's Volunteer Organization of the Year
Awarded to a volunteer or non-profit organization that has provided outstanding community services, with direct benefits to the city of Kelowna. Services may be related to environment, health, arts and culture, recreation, education, social services, neighbourhood and community improvement.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society - winner
- Central Okangan Search and Rescue
- Friends of the South Slopes
Corporate Community of the Year
Sponsored by KCR Community Resources
Awarded to a business in recognition of their overall outstanding contributions to the community through initiatives, employee volunteerism and financial or in-kind donations, with direct benefit to Kelowna.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Wilden Group - winner
- Troika
- Urban Systems Ltd.
Champion for the Environment
Sponsored by Peter's, Your Independent Grocer
Awarded to an individual or business whose actions and achievements have shown outstanding environmental leadership or innovative environmental contributions, having a direct benefit on the city of Kelowna.
51st annual awards finalists:
- Kelowna Chinese United Association - winner
- Energy Economics
- Tessa Terbasket
For questions or more information about the Civic Awards, please email [email protected].
Category Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
OKANAGAN CENTRAL SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION
