Nominations Open for City of St. John's 2026 Applause Awards

The City of St. John’s is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Applause Awards, recognizing individuals, groups, and organizations who make a meaningful difference in our community.

“The Applause Awards are an opportunity to shine a light on the people and organizations who help shape the spirit and success of our city,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “We’re also pleased to introduce a new Arts and Culture category this year, shaped by community feedback and designed to recognize the individuals and organizations who strengthen St. John’s cultural landscape.”

Each year, the Applause Awards celebrate leadership, creativity, service, and commitment across a wide range of areas that strengthen St. John’s quality of life and support its long-term sustainability.

Nominations are now open across nine award categories. To review eligibility criteria and submit a nomination, visit StJohns.ca/Applause. Submissions will be accepted until March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. There will be no extensions to the submission deadline.

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Categories

Arts and Culture Awards: Recognizes outstanding contributions in arts and culture. Nominations are accepted in two categories: Artist of the Year and Arts Organization/Group of the Year.

Athletes of the Year: Recognizes excellence in athletics. Nominations are accepted in three categories: Female Athlete of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year, and Team of the Year.

Climate Change Leadership Awards: Recognizes individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership in climate action. Nominations are accepted in two categories: Corporate Climate Leadership and Community Climate Leadership.

Councillor Debbie Hanlon Award for Senior of The Year: Recognizes a senior aged 60+ who has made significant volunteer contributions that improve the quality of life for citizens through community involvement, including music, sports, recreation, or other service.

Heritage Awards: Recognizes commercial and residential property owners for their work in rehabilitating, restoring and celebrating our built heritage.

Innovative Housing Design Award: Recognizes residential property owners and/or designers for work that demonstrates innovation, accessibility, energy efficiency, and/or affordability in housing design within St. John’s.

Tourism Awards: Celebrates excellence in the tourism industry each year, recognizing achievements that highlight innovation, outstanding service, and meaningful contributions to our community. Nominations are accepted in two categories: Award of Excellence and Legend Award. The City also partners with Destination St. John’s to present the Award of Distinction.

Volunteer of the Year: Recognizes residents and groups who have generously given their time and talents to strengthen our community and make St. John’s a better place to live, learn, and play. Nominations are accepted in two categories: Individual and Community Group.

Youth of The Year: Celebrates outstanding young people in St. John’s who, through volunteer service, extracurricular involvement, and community leadership, have made meaningful and positive contributions to our city. Nominations are accepted in two categories: Junior Youth of the Year and Senior Youth of the Year.