Civic Recognition provides an opportunity for the Mayor and members of Council to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible contributions made by individuals and groups who volunteer their time to make the City of Burlington better.
Civic recognition is given twice each year, in the spring and fall. Successful recipients are recognized in person at an evening Council meeting (June and October) where they are presented with a certificate. Nominations for civic recognition are open year-round.
Congratulations to the spring 2025 Civic Recognition recipients recognized on May 12, 2025. Learn more about the recipients below. The next civic recognition ceremony will be held in October 2025.
Civic Recognition celebrates exceptional individuals and groups in Burlington who exemplify the City’s values, found in Burlington’s strategic plan, Vision 2040.
Working together:
You can nominate an individual, group or organization who has demonstrated a high level of achievement in any of the following areas:
To be eligible, nominees must meet the following criteria:
Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Nominations must be submitted using the Civic Recognition Nomination Form.
Nominees who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered for recognition.
Civic Recognition Nomination Form
Completed forms are evaluated by an independent selection committee of up to seven volunteer Advisory Committee members, who will be confirmed by the City Clerk.
Any member of the selection committee nominated for recognition is required to remove themselves from the committee during consideration of the submission relating to the member. Meetings will be facilitated by City staff. There is no limit to the number of individuals or groups who can receive recognition.
Congratulations to the 2025 spring Civic Recognition recipients, recognized by City Council on May 12, 2025.
Andrew Bannerman |
As President of the Burlington Runners Club, Andrew has created an inclusive space for runners of all levels, fostering community connection and participation. He plays a key role in organizing group runs, local races, and partnerships with organizations like the Halton Conservatory and the Fit Active Beautiful (FAB) Foundation. His leadership has strengthened the running community and provided others with opportunities to find purpose, support, and a sense of belonging through health and wellness. |
Burlington Community Robotics |
This volunteer-driven organization is shaping the next generation of Burlington leaders. Open to high school students in Halton, the robotics and STEM facility provides hands-on robotics training, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. The program encourages students who may have never had exposure to this field to design, build, and program robots, helping them to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills that prepare them for future careers. |
Burlington Helping Burlington |
Formed in 2023 to fight food insecurity, Burlington Helping Burlington began as a food drive and quickly grew into a powerful movement—raising 15,000 lbs of food and over $20,000 in just three months. Now a registered charitable foundation, they connect businesses, residents, and organizations to support local not-for-profits. Through fundraising events, donation drives, and volunteer mobilization, Burlington Helping Burlington continues to make a lasting, positive impact in the community. |
Jenna Bye |
Jenna is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. As the Executive Director of Save Our Scruff – Rehome & Rescue, Jenna has helped to build a dog rescue organization that has facilitated over 3,000 dog adoptions across Ontario, Canada and beyond. Jenna leads a team of 100 staff and over 300 volunteers, coordinating programs focused on rescue, rehoming, education, training, and advocacy. Her leadership not only saves dogs but also raises awareness about responsible pet ownership and inspires others to support animal welfare initiatives. |
Michelle Douglas |
Michelle has spent over 30 years advocating for equality in Canada. In 1992, she launched a landmark legal challenge that ended the Canadian Armed Forces’ ban on 2SLGBTQI service members. Since then, she has remained a dedicated human rights advocate, testifying before Parliament and serving as Chair for organizations like the Foundation for Equal Families and Toronto’s 519 Community Centre. In 2023, she was appointed the first Honorary Colonel for Professional Conduct and Culture by the Minister of National Defence. |
Food for Life |
Celebrating 30 years in 2025, Food for Life is the largest food rescue organization in Halton and Hamilton, having redistributed over 26 million pounds of fresh, perishable food since 1995. By focusing on fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and prepared meals, they ensure access to healthy food for those in need. Their efforts also benefit the environment, diverting food waste and preventing approximately 37 million kilograms of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. |
Sonia Robinson |
Sonia Robinson is a passionate advocate of change to protect women and children. Her efforts were instrumental in the passage of Keira’s Law – both federally through Bill C-233 and provincially through Bill 102. This legislation, named after Keira Kagan, mandates that judges and justices of the peace receive training on intimate partner and gender-based violence. Recently, Sonia was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her work. |
WhiteEagle Stonefish |
WhiteEagle is a respected urban Indigenous Elder and a powerful advocate for reconciliation. A residential school Survivor, she stepped forward as a voice of truth, healing, and education following the discovery of 215 children’s graves in Kamloops, B.C. Each month, WhiteEagle leads Full Moon Ceremonies at Burlington Beach, creating inclusive spaces for learning and community-building through Indigenous teachings. She also contributes to countless civic events with land acknowledgments, opening prayers, and blessings— offering her guidance to City Council, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington Food Bank, and many more. |
Grace Anne Wilbur |
As a resident of Burlington for 58 years, Grace Anne is a lifelong volunteer whose unwavering dedication to community service spans over five decades. She began volunteering as a teenager with programs supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities—an experience that inspired her to become a Developmental Service Worker. Grace Anne supports numerous community initiatives, including more than 16 years with the Sound of Music Festival, where she serves as Parade Team Co-Chair, and the Partnering Aldershot drive-through drop-off collection. |
Congratulations to the fall Civic Recognition recipients, recognized by City Council on Oct. 29, 2024.
Andrea Binnington |
As the Student Nutrition Program Leader at Clarksdale Public School for over five years, Andrea ensures every student starts their day with a nourishing breakfast. Beyond providing a meal, Andrea has built a community that promotes wellness, learning and kindness. She demonstrates every contribution, no matter how small, has value. Her efforts have made a lasting impact on the school community and Burlington. |
Burlington Able Sail |
Each summer, Burlington Able Sail provides sailing opportunities and instruction for individuals with a physical or cognitive disability. With a dedicated team and specialized boats, Able Sail has been enhancing the quality of life for Burlington residents for over 20 years by making sailing accessible to all. The program is a place where participants experience the freedom of being out on the water and build valuable friendships. |
Burlington Food Bank Community Gardens |
For the past four years, Community Garden Coordinator, Samantha Le Grand and a network of approximately 75 volunteers have dedicated their time to growing fresh produce that is shared through the Burlington Food Bank. In teaching the community about gardening and eco-friendly food practices, the gardens are also helping others to build important food literacy skills that support food security and mental and physical health. |
Victoria Guzik |
Since 2019, Victoria has supported new mothers in Burlington to help them with the challenges of isolation and uncertainty that can be felt in the early stages of motherhood. Victoria organizes inclusive and supportive networks that provide a safe space for new moms to share experiences, seek advice, and form lasting friendships. Her efforts help new mothers in the community connect, empower one another, and celebrate their journeys. |
Meals of Hope |
Led by Pat Gilmore and Nancy McKenzie, the Meals of Hope program at Port Nelson United Church prepares, cooks and distributes hot meals and sandwiches for between 300 and 500 people every week. The program began in COVID to assist those in need. Since 2020, Meals of Hope and its team of 50 volunteers have continued to cook meals to meet the needs of the community. |
The Pink Project |
Started by university students Iman Nemar and Olivia Netto, the Pink Project provides free feminine hygiene products in public washrooms throughout Halton Region. The Pink Project believes period products should be available to all those who need them, and conversation surrounding menstruation should never be an embarrassment nor something we hide. Their work is helping to shed light on issues that are often overlooked when it comes to periods and menstrual health, not just in Burlington but around the world. |
The Price Family |
For the last four years, Al, Tina and Ty Price have worked to champion local music and build a sense of community in their Appollo Road neighbourhood with the Live at the Apollo driveway concert series. What started during COVID as a way to support local musicians and the community during lockdown has continued to grow. Each summer, the Price family organizes the Live at the Apollo concert every second Friday. All proceeds from the event go to the musicians who volunteer their talents and time. |
Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore (Ribfest) |
For over 25 years, the annual Ribfest event at Spencer Smith Park has helped to raise more than five million dollars to support local Burlington charities. Hundreds of volunteers from Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore dedicate their time every Labour Day weekend to coordinate the event. It is one of Canada’s largest ribfest events. |
Congratulations to the spring Civic Recognition recipients, recognized by City Council in June 2024. Watch a recording of the ceremony.
Burlington Historical Society |
Dedicated to preserving and sharing Burlington’s history for 74 years. Their initiative, the Archives, is located in the Burlington Public Library, Central Branch. Volunteers collect and preserve paper records and photographs related to the people and places of Burlington, from 1780 to today. Executive board members include: Don Thorpe, President; Nicola Thomson, Vice President; Joan Downey, Treasurer; Pat Taylor, Secretary; Alan Harrington, Director; Jennifer Kemp, Director. |
Connie Price |
With more than 55 years of volunteer services, Connie has a deep love for seniors. Connie is Chair of the Seniors Committee on the Partnering Aldershot group; the Treasurer of the Burlington Seniors Community Initiative, advocating for the wellbeing of Burlington’s seniors; and a member of the Halton Age Friendly Network. These are just a few of the organizations she supports. |
Helga Cuddy |
Combining her commitment to volunteering with her passion for tennis, Helga has volunteered with the North Burlington Tennis Club in Kilbride for 29 years. She is a champion of physical education, coordinating a free tennis lesson program to children in Kilbride Public School. |
Jamie Fisher |
Jamie is a champion of rural Burlington and agriculture, serving as President of the Halton Region Federation of Agriculture and Halton Agricultural Advisory Committee for the past 30 years. Through his volunteer work, he has helped lead discussions and input on the Official Plan, natural heritage system planning, and the private tree bylaw. |
Janet Lucas |
Janet has made feeding breakfast to grade school children her mission. For the last 10 years, Janet has provided a breakfast program at King Road School every Thursday morning, serving approximately 80 students. |
Kimberley Calderbank |
Kimberley started volunteering as a youth and has carried this passion through all stages of her life. From arts and culture to aquatics and mentoring young professionals, Kimberley is actively involved in many local committees and organizations throughout the city. |
Peter Knoepfli |
Peter is one of the founders of the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore Charitable Foundation, dedicated to providing scholarships, bursaries, fellowships, prizes and financial assistance to students living in Ontario, particularly Burlington. Over his 30 years of volunteering with the foundation, over $500,000 has been given out. |
Rural Ward 6 Advisory Committee |
Through their engagement with the community, the Rural Ward 6 Community Committee identified a need for better internet connectivity in rural Burlington. Their advocacy work secured $1.3 million in funding from the federal government’s Universal Broadband Fund for the installation of fibre-to-the-home service. Members include Sheilagh Borcsok, Margaret Doma, Wilma Jacobs, Richard Lesueur, Jennifer Lickver, Vincent Sowa, Peter Spitzer. |
The City of Burlington offers many volunteer opportunities. Volunteering provides an opportunity to gain experience, enhance or build skills, and make a positive impact in your community. Learn more about Volunteering Opportunities.