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Civic awards, 2025 (Image Credit: City of Kelowna)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Local Leaders

Kelowna seeks nominations for 52nd annual community awards

Oct 9, 2026 | 10:56 AM

The City of Kelowna is asking residents to recognize the people who make a difference in their community, with nominations now open for the 52nd annual Civic and Community Awards.

The awards celebrate individuals, organizations and businesses whose contributions strengthen Kelowna through volunteer work, leadership, artistic achievement, environmental initiatives and sports.

Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Honour in the Arts, Champion for the Environment and Female and Male Athletes of the Year.

Several awards also come with financial support. The Young Citizen of the Year award includes bursaries of up to $2,000, while Teen Honour in the Arts includes a $500 scholarship. The Volunteer Organization of the Year award includes a $3,000 gift.

“Every day, people across our community volunteer, create, coach, lead, mentor and give back,” said Chris Babcock, the city’s event development manager.

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Babcock said the awards offer an opportunity to recognize those contributions and celebrate the people who make Kelowna special.

Nominations require a letter of support and must be submitted by Jan. 25, 2027.

Nomination forms, award criteria and information about previous recipients are available at kelowna.ca/civicawards.

Finalists and recipients will be recognized at the annual awards gala on April 27, 2027

by Vernon Matters Staff
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