2026 Applause Awards Presented at Gala Event

Last evening, the City of St. John’s celebrated outstanding community contributions at the 2026 Applause Awards gala held at the St. John’s Convention Centre. 

“These awards recognize the people who go above and beyond to strengthen our community,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “From volunteers and leaders to artists and advocates, each finalist plays an important role in shaping a city that is inclusive, vibrant, and deeply valued by those who call it home. Council is honoured to celebrate your contributions and the impact you make every day.”

This year marked a significant milestone for the Applause Awards with the introduction of the Arts Awards, first announced in 2025. These new categories, Artist of the Year and Arts Organization/Group of the Year, highlight the vital role that arts and culture play in shaping the identity of St. John’s.

The award winners and finalists are as follows: 

Tom “Dynamite” Dunne Award for Male Athlete of the Year:

• Finalists: Levi Moulton, Harry Carter
• Winner: Jason Hill

Marg Davis Award for Female Athlete of the Year:

• Finalists: Kate Bazeley, Mya Rogers
• Winner: Falon McLoughlan

Team of the Year:

• Finalists: Holy Cross Kirby Group, Galway Hitmen
• Winner: Holy Cross Nutra Holdings

Climate Change Leadership (Corporate):

• Finalists: Biolab, Take Charge
• Winner: Choices for Youth

Climate Change Leadership (Community):

• Finalists: Econext, Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM)
• Winner: Home Again Furniture Bank

Heritage Awards:

• Winners: 71 Rennie’s Mill Road, 90 Pleasant Street, 111 Freshwater Road

Councillor Debbie Hanlon Award for Senior of the Year:

• Finalists: Max Kirby, Edward Sawdon
• Winner: Bruce Templeton

Tourism (Legend):

• Winner: Destination St. John’s

Tourism (Excellence):

• Winner: Spirit of Newfoundland

Destination St. John’s Award of Distinction:

• Winner: 2025 Canada Games Host Society

Youth of the Year (Junior):

• Finalist: Olivia Neary
• Winner: Gayathri Prem

Youth of the Year (Senior):

• Finalists: Noshin Khan, Grace Snow
• Winner: Alpita Patro

Volunteer of the Year (Individual):

• Finalists: Glenn Roil, Tom Jackman
• Winner: Gary Furlong

Volunteer of the Year (Community Group):

• Finalists: Georgestown Neighbourhood Association, NL Eats Community Outreach Inc.
• Winner: Seth & Matty’s Hat Trick Campaign Committee

Innovative Housing Design:

• Winners: First Light (Harvey House), Werkliv (Wester-Land)

Artist of the Year:

• Finalists: Ana Luísa Ramos, Caroline Clarke
• Winner: Deantha Edmunds

Arts Organization/Group of the Year:

• Finalists: Group of 77 Drawing Group, PerSIStence Theatre Company
• Winner: Resource Centre for the Arts

This year, the City received 77 nominations across the 16 award categories. 

The City of St. John’s annual civic awards program, the Applause Awards, celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups, and organizations who make a meaningful impact in our community. The program highlights excellence in arts and culture, athletics, climate leadership, heritage preservation, volunteerism, tourism, youth and senior leadership, and innovative housing design.

For more details about the award categories, recipients, and nominees, please visit StJohns.ca/Applause.