Artists of the Year

Winner:

• Deantha Edmunds: Deantha Edmunds is Canada’s first Inuk professional classical singer, and a Member of the Order of Canada. Acadia University awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Music. In 2025, she won the JUNO for ‘Classical Composition of the Year’, ECMA’s ‘Indigenous Artist of the Year’, and both ‘Classical Artist’ and ‘Indigenous Artist of the Year’ from Music NL. Deantha seeks to empower Indigenous people and share their stories, and her work has international reverberation as well as community integrity.

Finalists:

• Ana Liusa Ramos: Ana Luísa Ramos is a Brazilian singer-songwriter based in St. John’s, Canada. She won Global Release of the Year at the 2025 ECMAs and is a multiple MusicNL Award winner. She has performed internationally for over two decades and contributed to more than 20 albums. Ana also collaborates with Eric Taylor Escudero in Ana & Eric. Her latest album, Solaris, features songs in Portuguese and English exploring themes of love.
• Caroline Clarke: Caroline Clarke is a St. John’s–based illustrator and artist known for bright, colourful, and often humorous work. Her illustrations appear in children’s books, animation, promotional materials and signage. She has exhibited at the NL Craft Council Gallery. In 2025, she contributed to documenting the Canada Summer Games with the Group of 77 through drawings, served as inaugural artist-in-residence for the Trail of the Caribou Pilgrimage, and has launched an urban sketcher group for St. John’s.

Arts Organization/Group of the Year

Winner:

• Resource Centre for the Arts: The Resource Centre for the Arts was created in 1972 as an artist-run, community-based organization that fosters the development and showcasing of NL's art and artists. RCA Theatre Company (RCAT) provides resources and a supportive environment for the production and promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador Theatre, while its home, the historic LSPU Hall, is an accessible space dedicated to serving the community through well-resourced programming and as a venue for multi-disciplinary works, festivals, and events.

Finalists:

• PerSIStence Theatre Company: PerSIStence Theatre Company is a non-profit organization in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada that uses professional theatre and related initiatives to respond to the persistent and universal need for promoting, understanding and embracing the core beliefs of feminism. 
• Group of 77 Drawing Group: The Group of 77 Drawing Group is a long-standing collective of artists based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded in 1977, the member-run group meets weekly to draw from the human figure, fostering skill development and community. During the Canada Summer Games this past August, 27 members drew live events, capturing the energy, movement, and spirit of the Games through observational work.

Marg Davis Award for Female Athlete of the Year

Winner: 

• Falon McLoughlan: Falon McLoughlan has distinguished herself as a high-achieving athlete, student and community leader. Falon earned a silver at the Pan American Games in Canoas, Brazil Leading to the 100th Deaflympics in Tokyo in 2025 where Team Canada finished a historic 7th in women’s volleyball. Falon won silver at the Canadian Club Nationals and was a 16U Provincial All-Star. Falon won numerous awards and scholarships in 2025 including The Team Gushue Athletic Award. With a 96 average, Falon leads by example.

Finalists: 

• Kate Bazeley: In 2025, Kate Bazeley once again showcased her talent and leadership in women’s long-distance running. Competing among the professional field at the Boston Marathon, she finished seventh in the masters category with an impressive time of 2:39:33.  Closer to home, Kate secured her ninth win at the Tely 10, setting a new course record of 53:42. She also won the Mews Memorial 8K, the Paradise Five and Dime 10K, and the Atlantic track and field championships 5000 metre! 
• Mya Rogers: Mya was a dual sport athlete for Team NL at the Canadian Championships in both 4-Wall Handball and in Trampoline Gymnastics in Alberta. She also competed at Elite Canada in B.C for Trampoline. In Handball, Mya won gold for junior singles and for doubles and silver for women’s B singles. For Trampoline, Mya earned gold in women’s L5 Synchronized Trampoline and a 5th in Individual at Elite Canada. She then captured the silver in synchro and bronze individual at the Canadian Championships.

Tom “Dynamite” Dunn Award for Male Athlete of the Year

Winner: 

• Jason Hill: Jason Hill delivered a dominant season locally and nationally. With 3 Cheers Pub, he led the team to a 14-2-2 first-place finish, St. John’s Day Tournament title (4-0), and league championship (6-0). He earned MVP honours for both the regular season and tournament, and captured the pitching Triple Crown with 10 wins, 116 strikeouts, and a 1.70 ERA. He was named to the All-League Team and earned Player of the Month honours. Jason also won a provincial championship, captured gold in Galway as an All-Star Infielder, and was named the 2025 Softball NL Player of the Year.

Finalists: 

• Levi Moulton: Levi is a lifelong runner whose passion for anatomy and athletics inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. He will begin his surgical training this July. Despite a demanding schedule, he consistently prioritizes training, making a dedicated effort to be in peak condition each time he steps to the start line. Having competed against some of the top runners in Canada, Levi credits his love for Newfoundland and his lifelong admiration for the Tely 10 as key motivators in pushing him to rise above the competition. 
• Harry Carter: Harry played a key role in winning the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial League title, earning All-Star honours and helping his team qualify for nationals. With Holy Cross, he led a historic run to the Canadian National Championship—the first by a Newfoundland and Labrador team since 1988. He assisted the opening goal in the semifinal win over Quebec, then scored a late equalizer in the final against Ontario to force penalties. He also scored the first penalty in the shootout, securing a 5–4 victory, and was named tournament MVP.

Team of the Year

Winner: 

• Holy Cross Nutra Holdings: Holy Cross Nutra Holdings finished off an undefeated season by capturing their 3rd National soccer championship in 4 years in front of their fans at King George the 5th soccer pitch in St.John's with a thrilling 2-1 win over Quebec with Teri Murphy notching the winning goal. Holy Cross won their 10 consecutive Jubilee Provincial soccer Championship and also captured the NL Cup tournament title.

Finalists: 

• Galway Hitmen: The Galway Hitmen made history in 2025, winning an unprecedented 10th national senior men's fastpitch softball title. This one was perhaps their most dramatic. After a perfect 5-0 record in round-robin play, the Hitmen dropped their opening game of the playoffs. To win another title, the club would have to run the table - winning four-straight games to claim the Canadian championship. The Hitmen did just that, including three victories on championship Sunday. First a win over British Columbia, followed by a 2-1 decision over Toronto. In the final, trailing 1-0 heading into the seventh inning, The Hitmen scored twice in their final at bat to win it all. Sean Cleary was named the top player of the championship round. It solidifies Galway's place as the greatest Canadian fastpitch team ever, with a record 10 titles, and one of the greatest amateur sports teams of all-time.
• Holy Cross Kirby Group: Holy Cross Kirby Group men captured the National Soccer Championship in front of their hometown fans at King George the 5th by beating Ontario in a penalty shot shootout with Keeper Thomas Pieroway blasting in the winning goal. It gave Holy Cross and Newfoundland and Labrador its second National title with the first being won in 1988. Holy Cross went undefeated in the Challenge Cup Provincial league and the NL Cup, securing both titles for the club.

Marg Davis Award for Female Athlete of the Year

Winner: 

• Jaida Lee: Jaida was a member of Team Canada’s women’s baseball team that captured a bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay, Ontario and Miyoshi, Japan. Jaida had a strong performance, pitching a shutout victory over Venezuela and helping Canada advance, where they went on to defeat Team Mexico for a bronze medal. Jaida was also a member of the University of British Columbia’s Men’s Junior Varsity baseball team.

Finalists: 

• Kate Bazeley: Kate is a competitive distance runner. Last year she won her eighth Tely 10 title, competed for Canada in Serbia at the World Cross Country Running Championships, placed sixth at the National Marathon Championships at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, finished third at the Vancouver First Half Half-Marathon, and won our Provincial Marathon. Most recently, she raced in the pro field at this year’s Boston Marathon.

• Falon McLoughlan: Falon represented Canada in women’s volleyball at the sixth Pan-American Games in Brazil, helping the team win silver and qualify for the 100th Deaflympics in Tokyo. She received a Distinguished Performance Award from the Pan American Games Committee, a long-term athlete development scholarship from the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, and was named one of the Players of the Year by the Newfoundland and Labrador Volleyball Association.

Tom “Dynamite” Dunn Award for Male Athlete of the Year

Winner: 

• Colin Walsh: Colin had an incredible season, earning Regular Season MVP, Playoff MVP, and All-Star Pitcher honours in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League, leading in both wins and strikeouts. He was also a key player on the league’s championship team. At the Senior Men’s Fastpitch Provincial Championship, Colin was named Tournament MVP. He capped off the year with a Gold Medal at the Senior Men’s Nationals, where he once again earned Playoff MVP honours for his outstanding performance.

Finalists: 

• Dylan MacKenzie: Dylan found success in baseball, hockey, and football in 2024, including an AESHL and Herder Championship with the St. John’s Caps, Provincial Championship with the St. John’s Capitals, SJABA Championship with the Shamrocks and St. John’s Touch Football League Championship with the Ravens. He also competed at the National Senior Baseball Championship in 2024 and Allan Cup in April 2025.

• Liam Noble: Liam won Gold at the 2024 U18 World Ball Hockey Championship in Slovakia with Team Canada U18. He led the team in points & was named Tournament MVP. He then played for Team NL Selects U19 at Ball Hockey Nationals in Saskatchewan, winning Silver, & was named All-Star Forward. He was MVP of High School 4A Ball Hockey, winning Gold with O’Donel. He also played Junior A Ice Hockey in the MHL.
  
  

Team of the Year

Winner: 

• Galway Hitmen: The Galway Hitmen went undefeated (9-0) to win Gold at the 2024 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship in Saskatoon, SK. They outscored opponents 77-17 (+60), with a .339 team batting average and a 2.10 Earned Run Average. The team also earned five awards: MVPs for both the Qualifying and Championship Rounds, and three All-Star selections.

Finalists: 

• U15 AAA Hitmen: The Eastern Hitman Male Under-15 AAA hockey team had an impressive year. They won the East Coast Ice Jam in Nova Scotia, then captured both the NL U15AAA league and provincial titles. The team then went on to represent the province in the 2024 Atlantic U15 championship, where the team defeated the Moncton Hawks 5-3 to capture the gold medal.

• Volkswagen St. John’s Rowing: The Volkswagen St. John's women's fixed-seat rowing team captured the Kim Stirling Memorial Championship Trophy at the 2024 Royal St. John's Regatta, ending Hyflodraulic Limited's four-year reign. Earlier, they also won the Placentia Regatta. Led by Coach Alyssa Devereaux and Coxswain Dean Hammond, the crew balanced careers, motherhood, and training, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and excellence in Newfoundland’s unique rowing tradition.

Marg Davis Award for Female Athlete of the Year

Winner: 

• Kate Bazeley: Represented Canada at the World Cross-Country Championships in Australia, contributing to Canada's 7th place tie. She set provincial records by winning the Tely 10 female division and the Provincial Cross-Country Championships. Kate secured a spot at the World Athletics Cross-Country Championship in Serbia after finishing 3rd at the National Cross-Country Championships.

Finalists: 

• Jane Pope: Excelled in soccer, contributing to Holy Cross NutraHoldings' 8th consecutive NLSA Jubilee Trophy win. She was honoured as the Jubilee’s MVP, Top Scorer, and earned a spot on the League All-star team. At the Toyota National Championship, she helped secure her team's 2nd consecutive National Championship and tied for the Golden Boot award.
• Sarah Reid: A multi-sport athlete at Gonzaga High School, led her basketball team to multiple victories, earning her the title of Gonzaga’s Athlete of the Year. She represented Team NL at Basketball Canada’s U17 National Championships, earning all-star recognition, and secured a spot in the 2024 FIBA World Championships.
• Lauren Winters: A multi-sport talent at Cygnus Gymnastics, earned accolades at various competitions. She won silver at the 2023 Canadian National Championships and gold in the all-around and beam at the Atlantic Gymnastics Championships. Additionally, she impressed at the Lady Luck Invitational, winning bronze and silver.

Tom “Dynamite” Dunn Award for Male Athlete of the Year

Winner: 

• James Clarke: Excelled in rugby at various levels, winning championships with the Swilers Senior Men's team and the Atlantic Rock. He represented Canada's U20 team and played for Memorial University, winning the Atlantic University Sport Championship.

Finalists: 

• Sawyer LeBlanc: Won medals in track and field championships, including gold in the U18 3000 m. He also excelled in road running, winning gold in the U20 category at the Toyota Plaza High Performance Road Running Series and the Male 19 & Under category at the Tely 10.
• Jack McCarthy: Excelled in rugby, contributing to championship wins with the Swilers Senior Men's team and Memorial University. He was named to Rugby Canada’s National Senior Men’s 7s training squad in preparation for the 2024 Olympics

Team of the Year

Winner: 

• Team Gushue: Secured their 5th Brier title in London, Ontario. They followed up with a silver medal at the World Curling Championship in Ottawa after a loss to Team Scotland in the finals. Additionally, they claimed victories at the Pan Continental Curling Championship in Kelowna and the Karuizawa International in Japan.

Finalists: 

• Avalon Altitude U14 Volleyball: Won all 32 matches in provincial play and competed at the 2023 Volleyball Canada 14U Girls' National Championship in Halifax. They reached Tier 1 and narrowly lost to Ontario in the finals, earning the first-ever silver medal for a female NL team at a National Volleyball Championship.
• Holy Cross NutraHoldings: Soccer team secured their eighth consecutive NLSA Jubilee Trophy and second consecutive national title at the Toyota National Championship in Halifax going undefeated with a flawless defensive record. This achievement marks the first time a Newfoundland team has won consecutive national soccer championships.

Marg Davis Award for Female Athlete of the Year: Kate Bazeley

Kate Bazeley represented Canada at the World Cross-Country Championships in Australia, contributing to Canada's 7th place tie. She set provincial records by winning the Tely 10 female division and the Provincial Cross-Country Championships. Kate secured a spot at the World Athletics Cross-Country Championship in Serbia after finishing 3rd at the National Cross-Country Championships.

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

James Clarke excelled in rugby at various levels, winning championships with the Swilers Senior Men's team and the Atlantic Rock. He represented Canada's U20 team and played for Memorial University, winning the Atlantic University Sport Championship.

Team of the Year: Team Gushue

Team Gushue secured their 5th Brier title in London, Ontario. They followed up with a silver medal at the World Curling Championship in Ottawa after a loss to Team Scotland in the finals. Additionally, they claimed victories at the Pan Continental Curling Championship in Kelowna and the Karuizawa International in Japan.

Female Athlete of the Year: Jane Pope

Jane Pope was a member of the Holy Cross Kirby Group women's soccer team, capturing the 2022 Jubilee Cup as Provincial champions.  For her play, Jane was named MVP for both the regular season and playoffs. At the 2022 Toyota National Championship Jubilee Trophy, her team won the province’s first ever women’s National Championship.  Jane tied for Top Scorer and was named the Championship MVP. She was named the province’s Senior Female Player of the Year.

Male Athlete of the Year for Tom “Dynamite” Dunn Memorial Award: Sean Cleary

Softball player Sean Cleary was a member of the Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs in the St. John’s League and Galway Hitmen.  As a pitcher with the Galway Hitmen, his team captured its eight Men's Canadian Fastpitch Championship in St. John’s and Sean was named to the  All-Star Team. As a member of Team Canada at the international level, Sean and Team Canada won silver at the WBSC Men's Pan American Championship and a silver the WBSC Men's World Cup. Sean was named Softball Canada’s Men’s Fastpitch Athlete of the Year.

Team Gushue - 2022 Team of the Year for Molson Coors Canada Award

The Gushue rink captured a bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, defeating Team USA 8-5.  The team then went on to win two Grand Slam of Curling bonspiels.  Team Gushue won both the Boost National and the KIOTI Tractor Champions Cup.  The team them went on to win the Tim Hortons Brier in Lethbridge, Alberta.  Playing with only  3 players in the final game, the team defeated Team Alberta and claimed their fourth Brier.

Female Athlete of the Year: Abby Newhook

Abby Newhook played with Boston College's Female Hockey team in the NCAA Division 1. As a rookie, Abby scored eight goals and six assists in 15 games. Of these eight goals, four of these were game winners. She was named Hockey East's Player of the week several times and was named the Hockey East Rookie of the November. Abby was also invited to Hockey Canada's Women's NextGen Summer Development camp.

Male Athlete of the Year: Liam Hickey

Liam Hickey was a member of Team Canada's 2021 National Para Hockey Team that played in the 2021 World Para Ice Hockey Championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic. In the five games he had three goals and seven assists, good for 9th overall in scoring for the tournament. During the tournament, he also scored his 100th point for Team Canada and was named Best Defender. Liam will represent Canada at the 2022 Winter Para Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Team of the Year: Team Gushue Curling

Team Gushue won the Boost National in the Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling League, defeating Team Mouat 5-2. Then at Curling Canada's Tim Horton's Curling Trials in Saskatoon, Team Gushue defeated Team Jacobs in the final, winning 4-3. With this win, the team earned the right to represent Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.

Not presented due to COVID-19

Female Athlete of the Year: Maggie Connors

Hockey player Maggie Connors was a member of Team Canada's Development team that competed in August against rival USA in a 3-game exhibition series. As a member of the Princeton Tigers in NCAA Division 1 hockey, Maggie was named to the 1st Team All-Star Ivey League and the Eastern College Athletic Conference's 2nd Team All-Star and All-Rookie teams.

Male Athlete of the Year: Alex Newhook

Hockey player Alex Newhook played with Victoria Grizzlies in the British Columbia Junior A League and was named the League's MVP and Top Scorer. He also played for both Team Canada at the U18 IIHF World Championship in Sweden and for Boston College in NCAA Division 1. In June, Alex was drafted in the NHL's 1st round, 16th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche.

Team of the Year: Atlantic Rock Under-19 Team

The Atlantic Rock Under-19 team competed at the 2019 Canadian U19 Rugby Championship held in St. John's at the Swilers Complex. The team went 2-1 in round robin play, defeating Quebec and the Prairies while losing to Ontario. However, the Rock would face the Ontario Blues again in the gold medal match and would prevail by a score of 21-5, claiming the Under-19 National title.

Female Athlete of the Year: Maggie Connors

In 2018, hockey player Maggie Connors played for Team Canada at World Women's Under-18 Championships in Dmitrov, Russia. There her team claimed a bronze medal, defeating Russia 5-1. Maggie finished the tournament with three points in six games and assisted on one of the goals in the bronze medal game. Maggie also played for Shattuck-St. Mary's prep school in Minnesota, finishing 2nd in team scoring with 75 points in 50 games and helping her school win USA Hockey's Under-19 National Women's Championship in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Maggie is currently in her first year of university and playing hockey for the Princeton Tigers in the NCAA Division 1.

Male Athlete of the Year: Liam Hickey

In 2018, para hockey player Liam Hickey competed at the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, for Canada's Para Hockey team. At these Games, Liam was 4th overall in tournament scoring with 11 points in five games. He had six goals and five assists helping lead Canada to the gold medal game against rival Team USA. In the gold medal game Liam recorded an assist, however his Team Canada lost 2-1 in overtime. In London, Ontario, the Team Canada para hockey team won a silver medal at the 2018 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup. Liam also competed with Team Canada's wheelchair basketball team in the 2018 Kitakyushu Champions Cup in Japan. Liam is currently at Memorial University taking Human Kinetics & Recreation and Business courses, with an interest in Sports Training Management.

Team of the Year: Team Gushue

In 2018, Team Gushue competed at both the national and international curling levels. At the 2018 Tim Horton's Brier in Regina, Team Gushue defeated Alberta's Team Bottcher 6-4 to claim their second straight Canadian Men's curling championship. Team Gushue then represented Canada at the World Men's Curling Championships in Las Vegas. They faced Sweden in the championship game and would lose 7-3 to earn the silver medal. The team went on to win two Grand Slam of Curling events, that being the Princess Auto Elite 10 Grand Slam in Chatham-Kent, and the Humpty's Champions Cup in Calgary.

Corporate Climate Change Leadership Award

Winner: 

• Choices for Youth: Choices for Youth (CFY) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending youth homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador. Opening in Fall 2025, its Social Enterprise and Innovation Hub is an adaptive reuse of a former two-storey concrete building, bringing together Choices for Youth’s three social enterprises alongside dedicated support and training staff. The Hub will provide rapid skills development for vulnerable youth, connecting them to social enterprise employment and supporting their transition to the labour market or post-secondary education. Exterior upgrades and interior renovations have brought the building up to modern energy efficiency and accessibility standards, reducing energy consumption by an estimated 84 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 3.8 tonnes annually.

Finalists: 

• Biolab: BioLabMate is rethinking the future of lab and medical materials by developing biodegradable products made from seaweed-based materials as an alternative to petroleum-based single-use plastics. The company is focused on helping reduce plastic waste in research labs and medical facilities while advancing more sustainable, ocean-derived solutions. They are building a "blue economy" in St. John's turning abundant local resources in high-value exports.
• Take Charge: TakeCharge is a joint initiative of Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, delivering energy efficiency programs to customers across the province. Since 2009, it has helped save over 300 gigawatt-hours of energy annually and reduced electricity costs by more than $320 million.

  Programs like Energy Savers Kits provide free efficiency upgrades to households earning under $70,000. In 2025, 745 St. John’s households received kits, saving 673,934 kilowatt-hours, over $102,000, and reducing peak demand by 183 kilowatts. An additional 34 homes received free attic insulation upgrades, saving $72,000 in costs and more than 54,000 kilowatt-hours annually, or about $8,800 in yearly savings.

Community Climate Change Leadership Award

Winner: 

• Home Again Furniture Bank: Home Again Furniture Bank is a St. John’s-based non-profit transforming lives while reducing environmental impact. Over 10 years, it has diverted more than 2 million pounds of furniture from landfill by redistributing essential items to families in need. Through its social enterprise, Again & Again, and upcycling programs, Home Again extends the life of furniture, creates employment, and demonstrates how circular solutions reduce waste, strengthen communities, and support housing stability.

Finalists: 

• Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM): SAM is a non-profit network of municipalities across NL working to conserve habitat, support biodiversity, and advance environmental stewardship. Through partnerships, SAM helps protect wetlands, coastal areas, and species-at-risk habitat. In St. John’s, this includes expanding protected areas like Lundrigan’s Marsh, Southside Hills, and Cape Spear to support climate resilience and healthy communities.
• Econext: Econext is a not-for-profit industry association that helps accelerate environmentally sustainable economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. With approximately 200 member businesses, research institutions, governments, and organizations – econext is Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading voice on the green economy. econext has four key areas of focus: Member opportunities; public policy and advocacy; capacity building; and innovation.

Corporate Climate Change Leadership Award

Winner: 

• Dana Locke: AmeriSpec NL is a leading home energy audit provider in St. John’s, having completed over 10,000 audits and helped deliver $34 million in rebates, reducing over 1,100 tons of greenhouse gases yearly. Dana Locke has guided over 4,000 homeowners through rebate programs, making AmeriSpec a trusted climate advocate and local sustainability leader.

Finalists: 

• Newco Metal & Auto Recycling: Newco Metal & Auto Recycling is Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest and most experienced recycler, locally owned and operated for over 30 years. With a state-of-the-art metal shredder, Newco processes over 1,400 tractor trailer loads of metal annually and employs more than 50 people, supporting the green economy across 12 provincial locations.

• Newfoundland Power: Newfoundland Power is the main electricity distributor on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. Focused on sustainability, it has reduced emissions through its takeCHARGE EV Charging Network and anti-idling fleet program, enabling battery-powered operations. These initiatives have cut over 123 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, reduced noise, and advanced electrification.

Community Climate Change Leadership Award

Winner: 

• Food Producers Forum Inc: Food Producers Forum Inc is a non-profit group that works to improve food security and community health in Newfoundland and Labrador. They focus on rebuilding local food production, planting raised bed gardens for single-parent families, building low-energy food structures, running a food producers survey, and connecting with rural and Indigenous communities.

Finalists: 

• Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador: Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit providing youth with training and jobs in environmental and cultural conservation. Through Green Teams, youth work on invasive species removal, cleanups, and greening projects, developing future sustainability leaders. Their efforts have strengthened community resilience and inspired positive change.
• Building Owners & Managers Association of NL (BOMA NL): BOMA NL advances the local commercial real estate sector by promoting sustainability. Through advocacy, education, and recognizing best practices, BOMA NL has helped over 25 properties - totalling 3.5 million square feet - improve energy efficiency. Two sites have won national TOBY Awards for outstanding building performance.

Corporate Climate Change Leadership Award

Winner:

• Crombie REIT: Understanding the impact a nearly 600,000 square foot building can have on the environment, Avalon Mall is committed to leading by example when it comes to sustainable operations. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of team members, client collaboration, and adherence to industry best practice, Avalon Mall has made great strides in reducing its carbon footprint and continues to find new ways to grow their sustainable efforts. 

Community Climate Change Leadership Award

Winner:

• Dr. Sean McGrath, FANE: FANE was founded in 2015 by Dr. Sean McGrath, Dr. Barry Stephenson and Dr. Kyla Bruff. It is a small group of concerned citizens, thinkers, and practitioners trying to make a difference by working on how we think about nature. Their method is to make ecological knowledge available and compelling everywhere to transform the imaginations and practices of communities.

Corporate Climate Change Leadership Award

East Port Properties Limited is committed to protecting the environment through its environmental and energy policies and management plans. Their buildings at 351 and 235 Water Street consistently outperform comparable buildings in their energy and water efficiency and have achieved certifications such as LEED Gold and BOMA Best Platinum. The facilities operate with low-carbon seawater cooling/heating and geothermal systems respectively, as well as responsive lighting, space conditioning systems, and a composting and e-waste diversion program. They offer 14 EV parking stalls, while also encouraging public transportation to their tenants.

Community Climate Change Leadership Award

Ordinary Spokes Community Bike Action is a not-for-profit organization operated by volunteers. They work tirelessly to promote cycling culture in St. John’s by maintaining an inclusive community-focused cycling hub, offering education on bicycle mechanics and safety, organizing community events, and providing financially accessible bicycles and repairs. In the last two years, Ordinary Spokes has hosted over 70 bicycle repair sessions and refurbished over 150 bicycles. 

Winner:

Finalists: 

• Edward Sawdon: Facing a long history of medical problems, Ed has repeatedly overcome personal challenges. This, however, has not stopped Ed from acting as a passionate volunteer for many organizations and causes. Since moving to Newfoundland & Labrador, Ed has been involved as a member and a volunteer with the Empower Disability Resource Centre, CHANNAL/Lifewise, Ostomy Newfoundland & Labrador, CMHA-NL, Schizophrenia Society of NL; Pottle Centre, COD-NL, and Vibrant Communities/Citizens Voice, CSC-NL. Ed has received numerous national, provincial & local awards, including the 2013 CMHA National Consumer Award; 2014 Governor-General's Caring Canadian Award & the 2016 Sovereign's Medal for Volunteerism.
• Max Kirby: 103-year-old Maxwell Kirby of St. John's left an indelible mark on his community before passing away on January 22, 2026. He was a celebrated athlete in his prime, a regular on NTV's Inspiring NL, and the pride of MUN's Field House. Max walked MUN's indoor track daily, and always with a smile. His remarkable commitment changed people, pushed people, and inspired people. Max gave back to the community with his kind demeanor and enduring spirit, positively influencing everyone he encountered.

Winner: 

• Gerry Beresford: Gerry is the founding Chair of Ronald McDonald House NL and sits on the Finance Committee of RMHC Canada. He is a member of the Board of Anglican Homes; the Treasurer of St. Mary's Church; and a member of the Finance Committee of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern NL. Gerry is on the Volunteer Services Committee for the 2025 Canada Summer Games. He lives in St. John's with his wife, Ann.

Finalists: 

• Gordon O’Brien: Gord is known for his family owned business O’Brien’s Music established in 1939, promoting Newfoundland and Labrador musicians. He volunteered as a coach, convenor and served on the Minor Soccer Board of Directors. Gord has been a Knights of Columbus member since 1971, serving on the executive. He started a guitar circle that transformed into a performing band 1452’s bringing the community together and generating funds for local charities.
• Linda Hickey: A dedicated leader, cultural ambassador & advocate for NL’s heritage, she champions museums as key tourism & educational institutions. As the Performance Director for Hamilton Sound, her music preserves the province’s stories. Linda promotes heritage worldwide and has been recognized internationally by receiving a Buckingham Palace commendation. Her endless volunteering continues to make a lasting impact.

Winner: 

• Dr. Steven Wolinetz, Professor Emeritus, retired from Memorial University in 2009 after 38 years. Since then, he has been volunteering with several community groups, including the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, the Tuckamore Festival, the LSPU Hall Seat Campaign and the Home Again Furniture Bank. He is also active with the MUN Pensioners’ Association, the local Jewish community and the Religious Social Action Coalition (RSAC), a coalition of faith communities.

Finalist: 

• Liz Ohle is a founding member of Out in Faith. She convenes St. John's Quakers and organizes hockey for newer, older and slower women and non-binary folks. She also helped the Spectrum Queer Choir to Incorporate.

Winner:

• Doug England: At 91 years of age, Doug has been volunteering since his early teens. As a Korean war veteran he continues to educate generations today about what it means to be a veteran and to serve your country. He volunteers every year as part of the Poppy campaign and has made mannequins, posters, plaques and displays that are shown at the local branches, of uniforms, and artifacts – all of which he created himself. Aside from volunteering, Doug was a dance instructor (ballroom and line dance) and is still as smooth on the dance floor today. He is the jack of all trades and is a proud husband, father and grandfather.

Winner

• Jocelyn Delaney: Jocelyn has been a leading volunteer in the Shea Heights Community for over 50 years. From Boy Scouts to sports teams to working the canteen at the Folk Festival, Jocelyn makes it her mission to ensure that no one is excluded from community events. She is currently a key player in organizing Winterfest and is also an active member of the Shea Heights Community Centre Board.

Winner

• Patricia Wright: Patricia Wright volunteered for 50 years, where she made major contributions into children’s education and community organizations. Pat was a key volunteer with Seniors NL for over 20 years, and also served the organization as a board member. As a Volunteer Coordinator, she was responsible for finding over a hundred volunteers for the organization over the years. She also served as a Peer Support Volunteer for information line for 19 years, and supported hundreds of seniors over the phone and in person.

Winner:

• Margaret Thorne: Margaret was 94 years young when she received this award in 2020. Margaret has dedicated every week for the last 15 years to volunteering at Saint Luke’s Home. She provides support to the residents during meal time, helping with prayer service and to watering plants. She also offers volunteer time by helping with church services in her community and food banks at Corpus Christi Parish. Margaret travels by foot everywhere she goes and keeps a smile on her face while she does it. 

Winner:

• Sister Elizabeth Rachel Lee: Starting in the 1990s, Elizabeth served as President of the International Presentation Association. In this position, she planned and participated in gatherings promoting care for Earth in New York, Australia and India. She also volunteered in Dominica at a vocational training centre supporting at-risk youth. Here in St. John's, she serves as the volunteer Board Chair at The Lantern and Board Co-Chair at The Gathering Place. She was elected to the Presentation Sisters' provincial Leadership Team in St. John's and served as their Congregational Leader. She played a leading role in the transfer of St. Patrick's Convent to the City of St. John's.

Winner:

• Joseph Pearcey: Joseph devoted his life to volunteering. At the age of 12, he was trained in Air Raid Patrol where he patrolled the streets to protect civilians from the danger of overhead air raids. Then at 17 he joined the Merchant Navy and served during the Second World War. He continued in this role for over 35 years. Joseph was a volunteer Firefighter at the Grace Hospital. In 1942 during a fire at the Knight of Columbus Joseph was head Firefighter and an integral part of the recovery efforts where many perished. He is also an active member in his community as he is involved in the local legions and Knights of Columbus, where he calls bingo, serves meals, says grace, delivers hampers, and organizes events. 

The following properties were recognized for preserving or restoring the original character of a building:

Winners: 

• 90 Pleasant Street (Heritage Area 2): “The Cooperage” is a new outbuilding located in the backyard of 90 Pleasant Street, which is a municipally and provincially designated Heritage Building. The construction of The Cooperage involved an archeological investigation which uncovered the presence of a cooperage on the property in the early 1900s.Interviews were conducted with descendants of original property owners to help determine window and door placement as no photos of the original cooperage could be found. Parts of the existing foundation were incorporated into the new building and historic building methods were used where building code allowed.
• 71 Rennie's Mill Road (Heritage Area 1): The owners of 71 Rennie’s Mill Road recently completed a 15-month restoration project on this 159-year-old home known as Clifton. The exterior of the house was scraped and painted, new clapboard replaced rotten pieces where necessary, and missing trim elements were restored. The majority of Clifton’s original wooden windows were intact, and these were preserved. Non-functioning windows were carefully removed, restored, and re-installed in order to render them operational. Where new windows were required, these were built to match existing windows using traditional materials. This work will help preserve the building for hopefully another 150 years.
• 111 Freshwater Road (Heritage Area 3): The property owner of 111 Freshwater Road went above and beyond the minimum heritage requirements with this exterior renovation by retaining the original materials on the front of the house. All wooden windows were maintained, the wood clapboard and trims were sanded and painted, and rotten pieces were replaced when necessary. Siding on the rest of the house was removed and replaced with wood clapboard to match the front of the house. Building and window trims installed on the back of the house were built to echo the style found on the front facade. This is a wonderful example of how a building can be revitalized and contribute positively to the streetscape.

Winners: 

• 5 Military Road (B&G Holdings): The original house dates to back to at least 1893 and needed an enormous amount of work inside and out. A new foundation was required, the rear wall of the house was reframed, the front bay window was rebuilt in line with the architectural style of the building, new cladding was installed to meet heritage and modern building code requirements, and the interior was completely renovated sympathetic to the character of the building. This work will help preserve the building for years to come. 

• 124 Gower Street (Robin Peckford): 124 Gower Street is located on one of the oldest streets in downtown St. John’s and is an example of a residential vernacular (bracketed) building style. The property owner has reinstated traditional heritage characteristics by replacing all windows and doors, as well as replacing vinyl siding with traditional wood clapboard and trims.

• 134 Military Road/The Postmaster's Bakery (Mark Murphy and Eldon Murray): In addition to their contributions to the business community in St. John’s, the owners of The Postmaster’s Bakery have contributed to the St. John’s built environment through the restoration of the building at 134 Military Road. It is a wonderful example of how an old building can be revitalized into a new use and contribute positively to the streetscape.

Winners:

• 156 Gower Street - Noah Fleming: 156 Gower Street is located on one of the oldest streets in downtown St. John’s. The property owner has renovated the three-storey building by replacing rotten trim and mouldings around the front door and windows and painted the building to revitalize it while maintaining the heritage characteristics.

• 8 Military Road - St. Thomas’ Anglican Church: Built in 1836, this is the oldest Anglican Church in Newfoundland. Detailed restoration and renovation work has been ongoing since 2021. In 2023, work was completed to the lower portion of the Bell Tower. Damaged cladding, corner boards, and trim were replaced or repaired where possible. This work will help preserve the Bell Tower for years to come.

Winners:

• 20 Gower Street (Preserving or restoring the original character of a Heritage Building): 20 Gower Street is a great example of a Second Empire row house architectural style that was made popular in St. John’s after the devastating Great Fire of 1892. This designated Heritage Building has original two storey bay windows and peaked dormers projecting from the mansard roof. The renovation included restoring the design details, in particular, the beautiful stained-glass windows. The property owners are Mark Murphy and Eldon Murray.
• 12 Cathedral Street (Preserving or restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 1): The renovations at 12 Cathedral Street were based on a historic photo and the owner’s intent was to restore it to the building’s original 1893 glory. The vinyl siding installed in the 60s or 70s was removed and the building was restored to include wooden clapboard, decorative trim details and a new door similar to the original with a transom and side lights. The contractor for this work was Brian Marler from Marler Works. Property owners Bill Brennan and Anne Marie Christie.
• 21 Gower Street (Preserving or restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 1): 21 Gower Street is located on one of downtown St. John’s oldest streets. The property owners worked with Historic Homes to renovate the building to restore the windows, clapboard and trims. You would never know but the detailed trim around the door is completely new and has been crafted to replicate the original design. Property owners are Adam and Brenda Henderson.
• 15 Victoria Street (Preserving or restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 2): 15 Victoria Street is another great example where detailed craftmanship by Historic Homes was used to replicate the home’s original architecture. This building contains elements typical of Second Empire architecture such as the mansard roof with dormers, decorative eave brackets and mouldings, and intricate door and window trim. The restoration will preserve the building’s character for years to come. Property owners are Jennifer Young and David Molyneux.
• 122 Pleasant Street (Preserving or restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 2): Property owner Steven Jones worked with contractor Historic Homes to restore and where needed, replaced almost all of the exterior woodwork during the renovations of this three-storey home. They replaced rotten sills, wooden window boxes, the decorative trim, windows and painted the building to revitalize it while maintaining the heritage characteristics.

Winners:

• 87 Circular Road (Infill development that blends into a Heritage Area neighbourhood): Mr. Black has incorporated design elements from all the original houses nearby his – so much so that visitors assume it to be the original house with an extensive renovation.
• 40 King's Road (Rehabilitating an older building, including successfully integrating modern elements): In addition to their contributions in the film and arts industries, Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Co-operative have contributed greatly to the St. John's built heritage through the restoration of their building at 40 King's Road. It is an excellent example of how old heritage homes can be revitalized into new uses.
• 3 Walsh's Square (Rehabilitating an older building, including successfully integrating modern elements): The original house dated back to at least 1892 and was in incredibly rough shape. New wood cladding, along with new windows and cedar shakes help reconnect the house to its past. Original interior elements that had been covered by previous renovations were exposed included a wood/ bead board ceiling. The house was altered to help bring it up to new standards demonstrating that houses of this age are still quite relevant in a modern context.
• 165 Gower Street (Preserving or restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 2): The original 1890s foundation needed replacing and alterations to the cladding were needed to bring the house up to code. Renovations included a new foundation, cladding, front door and trims, all of which enhanced the building while preserving and restoring the original character of the building, all of which will preserve this building long into the future.
• 353 Southside Road (Preserving or restoring the original character of an older building): This property is a rare example of mid-19th century semi-detached wooden structures built in the Victorian Bracketed style of architecture. This style is reflected in the steep peaked roof, first storey bay window and elaborate decorative balustrade and eaves brackets. The owners have updated the exterior while maintaining the original and unique character of this dwelling.

Winners:

• 74 Circular Road - Canada House (Preserving or restoring the original character of a heritage building)
• 71 Rennie's Mill Road - Clifton (Preserving or restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 1)
• 29 Military Road (Infill development that blends into a Heritage Area 1 neighbourhood)
• 27 Military Road (Infill development that blends into a Heritage Area 1 neighbourhood)

Winners:

• 50 Bonaventure Avenue - The Georgestown Inn (Preserving or restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 2)
• 90 LeMarchant Road - Katherine House (Preserving or restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 3)
• 226 Water Street (Preserving or restoring the original character of a heritage building)
• 90 Duckworth Street (Rehabilitating an older building, including successfully integrating modern elements)
• 85 Military Road (Rehabilitating an older building, including successfully integrating modern elements)
• 73 Monkstown Road (Stewardship and long-term preservation of a building in Heritage Area 2)

Winners:

• 270-272 Water Street - Neyle-Soper Building (Preserving and Restoring the Original Character of a building in Heritage Area 2)
• 338 Water Street - Subway (Preserving and Restoring the Original Character of a building in Heritage Area 2)
• 76 Colonial Street (Restoring the original character of a building in Heritage Area 3)
• 6 Fort Waldegrave (Infill Development that Blends into a Heritage Area 3 Neighbourhood)
• 54-58 Bond Street - The Lilly (Rehabilitating an Older Building, Including Successfully Integrating Modern Elements)
• 50 Parade Street (Stewardship and Long-term Preservation of a Building in Heritage Area 1)

Winners:

• 114 Quidi Vidi Road (Restoring the Original Character of a building in Heritage Area 3)
• 118 Military Road (Infill Development that Blends into a Heritage Area 1 Neighbourhood)
• 189 Water Street (Preserving and Restoring the Original Character of a heritage building)
• 214 Duckworth Street - The Tobin Building (Stewardship and Long-term Preservation of a heritage building)
• 345 Duckworth Street - MIX Building (Rehabilitating an Older Building, Including Successfully Integrating Modern Elements)
• 2A Bonaventure Avenue - St. Bonaventure's College (Stewardship and Long-term Preservation of a building in Heritage Area 1)

Winners: 

• 8 Blackhead Village Road - Blackhead One Room School
• 38 Hayward Avenue
• 55 Duckworth Street
• 47 Cochrane Street - Cochrane House

Winners:

• 150 Oxen Pond Road - Thimble Cottage
• 315-317 Mount Scio Road - Squires Carriage House
• 181 Hamilton Avenue - Victoria Park Condominiums
• 55 Rennie's Mill Road
• 312 Water Street

Awards are given in three categories - excellence, legend, and distinction.

Tourism Excellence Award 

Winner:

• Spirit of Newfoundland: Spirit of Newfoundland Productions is a St. John’s food, beverage, and entertainment company. Operating since 1997, Peter Halley and Kathie Hicks have been bringing their artistic and entrepreneurial talents to the company and community. At its core are original dinner & show productions for audiences of all types; performed across the province and at their current home is 208 Gower Street, St. John's. They strive to celebrate the rich culture of Newfoundland & Labrador and be a part of it. 

Tourism Legend Award

Winner:

• Destination St. John’s: Destination St. John’s is the region’s destination marketing organization, working on behalf of its partners to grow tourism as a powerful force for good. Since 1997, DSJ has attracted business, sport, and cultural events, while growing leisure, group, and motorcoach travel. These efforts drive economic impact, support local businesses, and enrich community life; positioning the St. John’s region as a vibrant, inclusive, and world-class destination.

The Destination St. John’s Award of Distinction

Winner:

• 2025 Canada Games Host Society: The 2025 Canada Games represented a defining moment for St. John’s and our province; welcoming athletes, coaches, officials, and visitors from across the country. The impact of the Games was significant generating over $180 million in economic activity, including more than $40 million in visitor spending, supporting over 600 local jobs and nearly $57 million in wages, and welcoming more than 31,000 visitors from outside the region. But beyond the numbers, the Games created something even more meaningful; an extraordinary sense of community pride. They showcased St. John’s as a vibrant, inclusive, and capable host destination, with nearly 93% of visitors indicating they are likely to return. From the opening ceremonies to the final events, the experience delivered to participants and guests was exceptional. The energy throughout the city was undeniable, and the legacy of the Games will be felt for years to come. This success was made possible through the leadership of the Host Society, supported by a dedicated team, countless volunteers, and strong partnerships across all levels of government and our community.

Tourism Excellence Award 

• St. John's Walking Tours: St. John’s Walking Tours began in 2022 as a single guided tour by friends Pierre Trowbridge and Melissa Hogan. Now entering its fourth season, the company offers four tours—including food and beer tastings—led by a team of seven. Born from a shared love of travel and storytelling, the tours highlight St. John’s culture and history while connecting visitors with local businesses and the downtown community. Pierre and Melissa are proud members of the city’s tourism industry.

Tourism Legend Award

• Sandy Andrews: Sandy is a strategic thinker with over 40 years in the hospitality industry, known for building lasting relationships and creating memorable experiences. Since 2008, she’s led the sales and catering team at the Delta St. John's, overseeing conferences and events at the Hotel and the St. John's Convention Centre. Her leadership, attention to detail, and focus on client satisfaction have made her a trusted figure in the industry and a strong ambassador for both the city and the hotel she represents.

The Destination St. John’s Award of Distinction

Excellence Award

Winner:

• HOLD FAST Festival: The HOLD FAST Festival is a free, four-day celebration of local and regional performance and interdisciplinary arts. As the province’s longest-running contemporary arts festival, HOLD FAST seeks to engage community, facilitate meaningful exchange, increase public arts literacy, and create professional opportunities for artists. The festival takes art practices out of the gallery and into the community, where dynamic, interactive performances break down barriers and transform downtown St. John’s into a site of joyful curiosity, creative exploration, and engagement beyond our typical audience. Festival programming attracts a wide range of visitors, enlivening the downtown core and increases the visibility of the arts in downtown St. John’s.

Legend Award

Winner: 

• Quidi Vidi Brewery: Quidi Vidi Brewery has played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of St. John's both provincially and nationally. Through their award-winning craft beers, captivating brewery tours, and participation in prestigious industry events, they have effectively showcased the city's vibrant culture and rich heritage to audiences far and wide. Their innovative marketing strategies and partnerships have put St. John's on the map as a bucket list destination for beer enthusiasts and travellers alike. Quidi Vidi Brewery embodies a culture of excellence through their relentless pursuit of brewing mastery, unparalleled customer service, and dedication to community enrichment. Their team members exemplify professionalism, passion, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

Destination St. John’s Award of Distinction

Winner:

• 2023 Canadian Women in Ocean Industries Leadership (CWOIL) Conference: St. John’s is home to internationally recognized centres of excellence in ocean Industries, which made it the perfect choice for the 2023 CWOIL Conference. This conference, which focused on increasing women’s leadership in ocean industries, was attended by over 300 conference attendees. Hosted at the Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre by Marriott, delegates and their guests had every opportunity to patronized city restaurants and pubs, shops, historical and cultural attractions, and city tours. Many extended their stay, both St. John’s and across the province. Oceans Advance, the CWOIL conference core team, and all their partners, provided the support for the overall conference organization, planning and event execution. The event was, of course, a great success.

Legend Award

Winners:

• The Tuckamore Festival: The Tuckamore Festival has been a vibrant force in the St. John’s arts and culture community. This two-week chamber music festival presents world-renowned musicians in a nightly concert series, while offering educational experiences for talented young musicians and composers . The festival programming includes free lunchtime concerts and open rehearsals to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy the music, regardless of their music knowledge or financial status. With its passion for and commitment to excellence over more than twenty years, The Tuckamore Festival has promoted and highlighted the unique cultural, historical and heritage of St. John’s while contributing to the growth and development of the City by etching its place on the global music map.

Tourism Excellence Award

Winners:

• Mummers Festival: The Mummers Festival is solidly woven into the cultural tapestry of our city as a beloved signature annual  event. It has grown to become a completely new and definitely out-of-the-box tourism experience for an ever-increasing number of participants. This cultural gem offers two-weeks of completely free and accessible activities that encourages participants to engage in workshops, public lectures, forums, and concerts, all leading up to the signature Mummers Parade.

Legend Award

Winners:

• The George Street Association, through their work to preserve the spirit of the world-famous George Street, has made downtown St. John's a "must see" travel destination. From rich history to "Screech Ins" to world class live music, George Street is on the bucket list of many a tourist traveling to the Avalon! Furthermore, the Annual George Street Festival is a major draw for music fans locally, nationally and internationally.

Winner:

• Paul Pope was a leader in the film and television industry, and arts community, of St. John's for over forty years. His productions have created hundreds of jobs and has leveraged tens of millions of dollars of outside investment into our local economy. His current television series, Hudson and Rex is a hit for Canada and international audiences that brings unmeasurable promotion of our city. Paul has served on the boards of the national Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and of the Canada Media Fund (CMF). He has served on countless juries, advisory groups, and panels in the arts. Throughout, he has been a tireless advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Winners: 

• Discovery Award - Quidi Vidi Charters
• Signal Award - Newfoundland Dogs
• Sport Tourism Award - FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifier
• Event of the Year Award - Canadian Progress Club (St. John's) for Ribfest
• Legend Award - Larry Dohey (posthumously)

Winners:

• Discovery Award - Paul Dinn of Adelaide's Newfoundland Honey - Honey Bee Hike
• Signal Award - Ann Simmons of Wildland Tours
• Sport Tourism Award - 2018 World Traditional Karate Federation World Open Host Committee
• Event of the Year Award - Royal St. John's Regatta 200th Anniversary Committee
• Legend Award - St. Pat's Dancers

Winners: 

• Discovery Award - Kayla Walters of St. John's Beer Tours
• Signal Award - Dennis O'Keefe
• Sport Tourism Award - 2017 Tim Horton's Brier Host Committee
• Event of the Year Award - Brigus Production Company for the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent
• Legend Award - Spirit of Newfoundland

Winners:

• Discovery Award - So-Full Food Tours
• Signal Award - Gordon Dalton, a volunteer with the City of St. John's Ambassador Program
• Sport Tourism Award - St. John's Soccer Club (Senior Nationals - the Jubilee Trophy for female and the Challenge Cup Trophy for male)
• Event of the Year - Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command Memorial Day Ceremony
• Legend Award - Dave Snow (posthumously)
• Victoria Wagon Award - Mike Edmunds of McCarthy's Party

Winners: 

• Discovery Award: Lori McCarthy of Cod Sounds
• Signal Award: St. John's Marine Pilots Lou Power, Paul Kean and Ramsey White
• Sport Tourism Award Newfoundland & Labrador Athletics Association for the Tely 10
• Event of the Year: Confederation Hill Music Festival - Mighty Quinton Promotions
• Legend Award: Chef Jeremy Charles
• Victoria Wagon Award: Darren Steele of Newfoundland Tours

Winners: 

• Discovery Award: The Overcast
• Signal Award: Bob McCarthy
• Sport Tourism Award: Ice Caps Hockey Club
• Event of the Year: Mummers Festival
• Legend Award: Dale Gilbert Jarvis, St. John's Haunted Hike
• Victoria Wagon Award: The St. John's Taxi Industry

Winners: 

• Discovery Award: St. John's Trolley Line
• Signal Award: MUN Botanical Garden
• Event of the Year: 2013 World Ball Hockey Championships
• Legend Award: Anne George, Manager of the Holiday Inn St. John's
• Victoria Wagon Award: Esther Taylor

This award recognizes two categories of volunteers - individual and community group.

Individual Volunteer of the Year

Winner: 

• Gary Furlong: Gary Furlong is the President of the Geraldine Rubia Centre at 41 Shaw Street. He assumed the role 12 years ago with a vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive space for adults with special needs, ensuring that individuals of all abilities feel supported and valued. Gary has worked with the City of St. John’s since 1989 and has a long record of community involvement. He volunteered 17 years with CHMR as a country music DJ and now hosts a classic country show on VOWR. He has served with the Knights of Columbus and spent 14 years as DJ for the St. John’s Maple Leafs.

Finalists: 

• Tom Jackman: Tom Jackman is a prominent neurodiversity advocate and community volunteer-based volunteer, widely recognized for his dedication to improving the lives of autistic individuals and people with disabilities. He is a board member at the National Autism Network where he is currently working to inform the Federal Government on how to carry out Canada's Autism Strategy. Beyond disability advocacy, Jackman’s volunteer footprint in the St. John’s region is diverse and extensive.
• Glenn Roil: Glenn Roil is an international award-winning mental health advocate and published author. A referral partner with StigmaZero since 2019, he also co-leads the Americas Region for the Global Mental Health Peer Network. Glenn’s lived experience informs his work to reduce stigma and improve workplace mental health, earning honours including the 2022 National Alliance of Mental Illness Lionel Aldridge Champions Award and the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission Human Rights Champion Award for mental health.

Group Volunteer of the Year

Winner: 

• Seth and Matty’s Hat Trick Campaign Committee: Established to raise funds and awareness for the Easter Seals Accessible & Inclusive Park Project, the committee has successfully raised over $120,000. They have demonstrated strong leadership and community engagement by organizing fundraising events, building partnerships with local businesses, and inspiring others to support accessible recreation. A friendship that began at school, grew stronger at camp, and was fueled by a hockey rivalry—supported by families who believed in the vision their sons were creating.

Finalists: 

• NL Eats Community Outreach Inc.: NL Eats Community Outreach Inc. is a community-driven initiative dedicated to celebrating and strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s local food culture. They successfully expanded its reach through high-impact community events, strengthened partnerships with local producers and businesses, and significantly increased public engagement across the province. Through storytelling and collaboration, NL Eats promotes sustainability, supports local economies, and creates inclusive spaces where food brings people together.
• Georgestown Neighbourhood Association: The Georgestown Neighbourhood Association was founded in 2000 by residents interested in community building. For the last 26 years, they have worked to advocate for the neighbourhood and to build community through events such as their spring and fall clean-ups and summer flea market and barbecue. They have recently co-sponsored a food drive with Bridges to Hope and hope to do this again in the future.

Individual Volunteer of the Year

Winner: 

• Stephanie Evans: Stephanie Evans advocates for mental health and disability rights in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. A recent social work graduate, she volunteers with the Canada Games and Inclusion NL and serves as chairperson for the National Educational Association of Disabled Persons (NEADS), supporting disabled post-secondary students. She represented NL and Canada at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin.

Finalists: 

• Kate Cadigan: Kate is a committed advocate for gender equity and youth leadership. She chairs Equal Voice NL and is VP External for the NL Youth Parliament. A recent Political Science and Gender Studies graduate from MUN, she led as President of the Politics and Law Society. Kate strengthens her leadership through the Limitless Leadership Program and Informed Opinions Speaker’s Bureau.

  Kay King: Over the past seven years, Kay has found deep fulfillment in volunteering with SHOP, a role that has allowed her to support vulnerable individuals and be a voice for those in need. Advocacy comes naturally to Kay, and she finds great joy in helping people at every stage of life. Being part of such a compassionate and impactful organization as SHOP is something she is truly grateful for.

Group Volunteer of the Year

Winner: 

• Waterford Valley High Community Outreach Network: The Waterford Valley High Community Outreach Network is a group of grade 10-12 students at Waterford Valley High. These students take part in different initiatives each month throughout the city and school community. The Waterford Valley High Community Outreach network organized initiatives such as food drives, holiday stocking donations and helped with Special Olympics NL. Their end goal is to make St.John's a great place to live.

Finalists: 

• Georgetown Neighbourhood Association: The Georgetown Neighbourhood Association was founded on March 20, 2000 by residents interested in community building. Georgetown is the neighbourhood enclosed by Military Rd, Bonaventure Ave, Monkstown Rd, Carpasian Rd and Empire Ave. The Georgetown Neighbourhood Association addresses issues concerning the well-being of their neighbourhood, and enhances the social and physical environment of the community.

• Sharing the Harvest NL: Sharing the Harvest NL which was established in 2020 following a change in provincial wildlife legislation. This change allowed licensed big game hunters to legally donate a portion of their harvest to food banks. Initially, the organization focused primarily on big game meat—moose in particular. Over time, our efforts expanded to include a broader range of wild-harvested foods, such as small game, fish, and berries—commonly and affectionately known as country food.

Youth Volunteer of the Year

Winner:

• Emmett Cochran is a student at Waterford Valley High School and dedicated volunteer that has made significant contributions to his community through the organization of fundraising events to support his peers and vulnerable populations.

Adult Volunteer of the Year

Winner:

• Alick Tsui who has been volunteering for several years in various capacities for a variety of organizations and associations like the Positive Thinkers Club, CNIB, and many more.

Finalists:

• Shannon Goodyear, a dedicated rugby coach at Gonzaga High School that has given his time and experience back to the rugby community massively.
• Barry Fordhman -  After 12+ years of advocacy and volunteering, Barry's dream, "Sharing the Harvest NL," brings food security to St. John's families, providing over 5,000+ meals through his work with the Single Parent Association of NL Food Bank.
• Tom Jackman - Since 2007, Tom has been deeply involved in local running clubs and volunteers with various organizations, including Athletics Northeast, National Autism Canada, Georgestown Neighbourhood Board, Disability without Poverty, Rogers TV, and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
• Bill Pomeroy - In 2004, Bill co-founded Athletics NorthEast (ANE), now boasting over 250 members and organizing diverse road running events, leaving a lasting impact on Newfoundland and Labrador's athletics community.
• Alicia Mujica, a devoted volunteer assisting newcomers in settling into the province. She founded the Latin Hispanic Association of NL in 2022 to promote community social, cultural, and educational elements, organizing events like the First Annual NL Latin Heritage Day and a Spanish language book club.
• Shannen Stone, whose volunteer work with St. John’s Status of Women Council has included assisting with cooking community meals, Naloxone Training, and supporting events like International Women’s Day, fostering social connections and providing free training sessions.
• Patrick Burke, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces and NL Governor General's driver, now uses his musical talents to support organizations, seniors, and people with disabilities in St. John’s and surrounding areas.
• Linda Hickey, who excels at bringing people together for community events and charitable initiatives while fostering integration for new residents through education and cultural events, such as her work on projects like the Harry Hibbs Exhibit at the #2 Mine Tour and Museum.
• Joshua Roberts, whose unwavering dedication to our community and the arts is evident through his exceptional leadership, support for local artists, and commitment to fostering creativity, highlighted by his provision of a studio space for fellow artists and his mentorship of younger talent.

Group Volunteer of the Year

Winner:

• Thrive’s Street Reach Volunteer Program: Guided by harm reduction principles, this program offers outreach services and individual support to those 16 and over. Volunteers fill many important roles of the group, such as outreach walks, distributing harm reduction supplies, serving meals, providing support during drop-ins, shopping and fostering social and community connections.

Finalist:

• Waterford Valley High Community Outreach Network is comprised of over 50 high school student volunteers. The group embodies volunteerism and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on St. John’s through initiatives like food drives, fundraisers, meal preparation at the Ronald McDonald House, and assistance for seniors and community organizations.

Winners:

• Stephen Jewczyk - Adult Category: Stephen Jewczyk is recognized for over 40 years of dedicated volunteerism in a wide variety of areas including supportive housing, food networks, environmental activism and recreational sport. Stephen has worked with Stella’s Circle, Cochrane Street United Church and numerous other organizations.
• Radhika Verma - Youth Category: Radhika Verma, a full-time pharmacy student at Memorial University, who passionately dedicates her time to a variety of community organizations and volunteer projects, such as the opioid crisis and smoking cessation.
• Go Getters NL - Community Group: Go Getters NL is a youth service initiative focused on increasing community service, civic engagement, and advocacy in young adults ages 19 – 30. From connecting with seniors at Cambridge Estates to hosting free gender-neutral clothing swaps supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+community, Go Getters NL are making a difference to the lives of many here in St. John's. They are recognized for their contributions to the healthy community pillars of Inclusion and Healthy Neighbourhoods and People.

Winners: 

• Catherine Wells-Drodge - Adult Category: Catherine exemplifies how to support healthy lifestyles and create a vibrant community through her volunteer work over the last three decades. We recognized Catherine for her dedicated contributions across each of the five pillars of our Healthy City Strategy, but specifically for her advocacy on city issues that lead to more informed, engaged and connected citizens.
• Abby Pace - Youth category: We recognize Abby Pace for her volunteer work with The Gathering Place, Eastern Health, NLAA, Skate Canada and Special Olympics. Abby embodies the healthy community pillars of Inclusion, Environment and Healthy Neighbourhoods and People, and helping to build inclusive communities with deep social and community connections.
• Go Getters NL - Community Group category: Go Getters NL is a youth service initiative focused on increasing community service, civic engagement, and advocacy in young adults ages 19 – 30. From connecting with seniors at Cambridge Estates to hosting free gender-neutral clothing swaps supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+community, Go Getters NL are making a difference to the lives of many here in St. John's. They are recognized for their contributions to the healthy community pillars of Inclusion and Healthy Neighbourhoods and People.

Winners: 

• Charles Murphy - Adult Category: Passionate volunteer for events, fundraising, and community supports. Charles is a co-facilitator for the local Pflag, a peer support group for 2SLGBTQIA+ members. He co-founded Raise Up Fundraising, an organization supporting unserved populations and helped raise $40,000+ for initiatives.
• Hannah Murphy - Youth Category: Hannah volunteers with the City’s Together in Movement and Exercise Program. She also volunteers in Dr. Michelle Ploughman's Recovery and Performance Laboratory, where research focuses on the effects of exercise on the brain challenged by disease. She organizes outreach events and is a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Winners:

• Barbara Albrechtsons - Adult Category: Barbara Albrechtsons is a retired public health nurse. She volunteers with The Association for New Canadians (ANC). Along with the dedication of many other volunteers and staff, they created "Fresh Start", a breakfast program which takes place at the ANC Language School and serves refugee adults and their children
• Jude Benoit - Youth Category: Jude is a youth advocate for inclusivity, decolonization, and anti-racism in the community, particularly as a leader and mentor in the 2SLGBTQ community. Jude is being awarded the Building Healthy Communities Volunteer Award for building neighbourhood-based support systems for trans and queer youth and other marginalized persons during Covid-19.
• Friday for Future St. John's - Community Category: Youth lead “Fridays for Future St. John's” was founded in March of 2019, following in the footsteps of the global movement “Fridays For Future,” started by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The ultimate purpose of the group is to fight climate change through strikes and various local events. Fridays For Future St. John's has hosted five climate protests thus far, their most successful taking place on September 27 where over five thousand strikers took part. The group continues to fight for climate justice and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Junior Youth of the Year 

Winner: 

• Gayathri Prem: A dedicated student leader and community advocate, she served as Student Council VP and is now a Grade 9 rep at PWC. She co founded a social action club that raised funds for community initiatives. She volunteers with Unified Sports, joins Duke of Edinburgh, SharingOurCultures, and has performed at the Canada Games, Canada Day and Multicultural events. She received the Matthew Churchill Award for being a well rounded student. She is a volleyball athlete, academic, artist/dancer and a role model to many.

Finalist: 

• Olivia Neary: Olivia Neary is a Grade 8 French Immersion student at St. Paul’s Junior High and a dedicated youth leader. She volunteers weekly with Shallaway Youth Choir, mentoring young choristers, and serves as a junior camp leader. An accomplished rower and active performer in music, dance, and theatre, Olivia shows strong commitment, teamwork, and creativity. Her leadership, volunteerism, and passion for the arts make a meaningful impact in her community.

Senior Youth of the Year

Winner: 

• Alpita Patro: Gonzaga High School student, Alpita Patro, volunteers at Bishop’s Garden Senior Living, coached badminton, and serves as a first responder. She founded Creators of Tomorrow to guide 200+ students through immersive STEM workshops and developed memory aids for seniors. Representing Team NL four times at the Canada-Wide Science Fair, she was named the 2022 Sanofi BioGENEius National competition winner and earned several medals. At the NL youth parliament, she served as the MHA for St. John’s West.

Finalists: 

• Grace Snow: Grace is a Grade 11 French Immersion student at Holy Heart of Mary High School. She has been actively involved in various leadership and national advocacy roles. She currently serves as a member of the Health Canada National Youth Committee and dedicates some of her time to research on behalf of Food Allergy Canada. Her hobbies include playing alto saxophone, figure skating, swimming, and locating peanut-free ice-cream parlours.
• Noshin Khan: Noshin Khan is the founder and leader of her school's Robotics Club, securing over $3,000 in corporate funding to compete nationally. She has placed first in the Rotary Speak-Off and has attended the Adventure in Citizenship program in Ottawa. Noshin is a peer-tutor, Environmental Representative, Community Outreach Network member, and Family Service Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House. She has been awarded the prestigious Currie Undergraduate Scholarship in Engineering at UNB valued at $75,000.

Junior Youth of the Year 

Winner: 

• Annabelle Edmunds-Ramsay: Annabelle sings in many languages but sharing Nunatsiavut’s Inuttitut classical music means the most. She performs with diverse groups like Shallaway Youth Choir, Indigenous Performing Arts NL and Opera on the Avalon. Volunteering on the Chorister Council and being an Apprentice to younger singers speaks to her leadership & dedication. Her empathy and optimism shines bright on and off stage.

Finalist: 

• Olivia Neary: A standout student at St. Paul’s, Olivia is a dynamic youth leader in St. John’s. She performs with Shallaway, Kittiwake, Young Folk at the Hall, Best Kind Productions, Connie Parsons School of Dance, and the Kiwanis Music Festival. Olivia mentors younger choristers and dance students. She’s also an avid rower, having rowed for four seasons in the Royal St. John’s Regatta.

Senior Youth of the Year

Winner: 

• Klaire Gardiner: Klaire is a dedicated student at Gonzaga High School in St. John’s, NL, enrolled in the Advanced Placement program. She co-founded the Outdoor Library of Airport Heights and volunteers with initiatives like the Kids Eat Smart Program, AHFD, Coldest Night of the Year, and PUPS. A Black Belt in Karate and certified lifeguard, Klaire completed all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and aspires to become a psychologist to support her community.

Finalists: 

• Declan Walsh: Declan is a Grade 11 student at Gonzaga High School. He is active in the tennis community as a player, coach, and advocate, and works to support local youth through sport. Declan is also a keen political observer and involved in youth politics. His passion for leadership and service is evident in everything he does.

• Seth Hyde: Seth is a grade 11 EFI student at Gonzaga High School. His true passion is in helping others. His broadcasting platform has enabled him to make impactful contributions to several charities, causes & organizations. Seth always leads with kindness, and inspires others to do the same. He has a natural instinct to always include everyone and he is determined to make a real difference at every opportunity.

Junior Youth of the Year 

Winner: 

• Alexis MacDonald, a student at École Rocher-du-Nord, is actively involved in her community through various organizations, including the "About Face" Youth Advisory Committee, a national organization supporting individuals with facial differences.

Finalists: 

• Peyton Critch exhibits exceptional leadership, academic dedication, and sportsmanship, actively participating in hockey, basketball, soccer, and extracurricular activities while graciously offering support and guidance to her peers in school events and activities.

• Eileen Grenning, who is an active participant in the Rabbittown Community Centre’s Youth program. This includes the Junior Youth Mentorship program, which focuses on life skills and preparedness. Eileen has also put in many hours of extracurricular work at her school, including drama, volleyball, basketball, tutoring, band and choir. 

• Grace Snow, a student at St. Paul’s Junior High, participates in a diverse selection of activities that will prepare her for a positive and healthy life moving forward. Grace is a natural leader and works hard to be the best that she can be, whether that is skating, academics or community work. 

Senior Youth of the Year 

Winner: 

• Sheza Chowdhury is a dedicated and enthusiastic grade 10 student at Gonzaga High School, showcasing her skills in various clubs and teams. Her diverse interests, attention to detail, and eagerness to help others make her an exemplary student.

Finalists:

• Ibrahim Essam: During his time at Holy Heart of Mary, Ibrahim has shown exceptional care for his peers and community, excelling in the International Baccalaureate Program and actively volunteering. With aspirations in public policy and law, he aims to contribute to a more humanitarian future.
• Lauren Patten's gentle nature fosters inclusive spaces where people feel valued and understood. Active in both school and community, she expresses her passion for culture, traditions, and music through participation in various performing arts groups and choirs at Holy Heart of Mary.
• Maria Antle is a student at Gonzaga High School actively involved in both her school community and the community itself. Through her academic achievements and involvement on multiple sports teams, Maria strives to assist her peers to improve and achieve in these areas.

Winners: 

• Seth Hyde - Junior Youth of the Year: A student at MacDonald Drive Junior High, Seth is actively involved in a number of school activities, including Student Council and the NHL Youth Advisory Committee. He is involved in Video production and broadcasting for the school, including the multi-cultural welcome video, retirement videos and morning announcements; he hosts activities and events and emcees concerts and assemblies. Seth actively volunteers as a visitor at Kenny's Pond Retirement Home, reads in church, and participates in grounds clean ups. Always willing to jump in where needed and whatever the request, Seth is recognized for his determination, compassion and empathy.
• Cameron Gardiner - Senior Youth of the Year: A student at Gonzaga High School. Founder of the Airport Heights Food Drive, Cameron is actively working on establishing an Outdoor Library. He is a strong participant in the Mercedes Garden initiative at St. Patrick’s Nursing Home, the YMCA Media Mentors Program, Rotary Interact Club, the Gonzaga Student Mental Health Coalition, Tutors for Tuition and much more. In his nomination for this award, Cameron’s science teacher describes him as “the epitome of what it means to be humble: and a “rare gem: Cameron Gardiner will make changes in this world!”

Winners: 

• Maia Mckeown - Junior Youth of the Year: Mckeown is a well-rounded individual with a penchant for languages and a talent for music. She actively participates in school groups at Brother Rice Junior High and performs with the Shalloway Youth Choir and the CALOS Youth Orchestra and volunteers her time at Kenny's Pond Retirement Residence. She also volunteered last year at Vera Perlin Society summer camps. An award-winning short story writer and public speaker, McKeown also performs with Best Kind Productions, and has appeared at numerous music festivals and events from St. John's to Carbonear.
• Tanish Bhatt - Senior Youth of the Year: A Grade 10 student at Gonzaga High School Bhatt is a competitive tennis and badminton player and an outstanding student: Winner of the Sanofi Biogenius Competition in the Atlantic Canada Division for 2021; Gold Medalist at the 2019 NL Science Fair and the MUN Department of Psychology Award; Winner of the MacDonald Drive Junior High Citizen of the Year Award and Student Leadership Award (2021); and recipient of the Jeff Babstock Award in 2021. He is spearheading the Gonzaga SpellingBee4Literacy, is actively involved in the STEM program and was accepted to participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament 2022 session.

Winners:

• Margaret Peters - Junior Youth of the Year: Margaret Peters is an outstanding French Immersion academic, leader and volunteer. She is an outstanding academic student and leader. She volunteers with school breakfast program, plans special events and organizes food drives. Also, a talented band and choir member. Despite COVID-19 limitations Margaret has continued to provide leadership for the school band and choir and is a member of Shallaway Youth Choir, Girl Guides of Canada, and St. Mark’s Anglican Church Youth Group.
• Jorja Hinks - Senior Youth if the Year: Jorja has inspired and empowered others. In 2012, at age 8, she created an international non-profit called Jorja's Journeys that with the help of others provides emergency relief and educational skill development in developing countries. Jorja has taken part in eight international impact trips and through these have developed strategies to ensure Jorja's Journeys is providing responsible and effective aid with long-term transformative outcomes. She is a motivational speaker for local youth, athlete, and high achieving academic student. Jorja is an active member of the Cabot Taekwondo Club, a competitive figure skater, an advocate for ASL and Deaf individuals, on her school volleyball team and is completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award.