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Neil Fidler receiving the Lifetime Civic Merit Award from Enderby Mayor, Huck Galbraith (Image Credit: City of Enderby)
Lifetime Civic Merit Award

Enderby resident recognized for work to beautify the community, promote the arts

Aug 12, 2026 | 3:22 PM

A long-term volunteer in Enderby has been recognized for his work giving back to the community.

Neil Fidler was presented the Lifetime Civic Merit Award from mayor and council Tuesday, Aug. 11.

“We moved to Enderby 22 years ago, and one of the first things I did was join the Garden Club,” Fidler said after receiving the award.

“Things just took off and got out of control. I once had signing authority for four different organizations in town.

“I’ve scaled back a lot. I’m still here, and I hope to be still doing this for a while yet.”

In his community work, Fidler served as secretary, treasurer and board member of the Enderby and District Garden Club. He was on the Enderby Bloom Committee, held the roles of board member, secretary, and two-time president of the Enderby and District Arts Council; served on the board of the Enderby Chamber of Commerce, and was the chair of the Christmas Committee.

“After retiring from Canada Post in 2004, my wife and I moved to Enderby and quickly fell in love with the community,” Fidler stated.

“Its welcoming spirit inspired me to become actively involved, and I have been proud to contribute to the organizations that help make Enderby such a vibrant place to live. My years of volunteering have been driven by a commitment to strengthening the community, supporting local arts and culture, and helping make Enderby an even better place to live.”

Fidler was presented with the award at a ceremony held at the Enderby Arts Centre, which was a notable location for the event.

“[The Centre] was his idea,” Georgia Atwood, current president of the Enderby and District Arts Council, stated.

“He came up with the plan and then he put a bunch of us to work, and look, we’re still here after five years and I have to say a lot of it has to do with Neil.”

Recipients of the Lifetime Civic Merit Awards are nominated by members of council and must receive a unanimous vote.

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