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Civic Awards hardware (Image Credit: City of Kelowna)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Nominees Listed

Kelowna announces finalists for 51st Civic and Community Awards

Mar 31, 2026 | 11:14 AM

Thirty-nine finalists have been named for the 51st annual Civic and Community Awards, recognizing achievements across Kelowna in 2025.

Selection panels trimmed nominations to three finalists in each of 13 categories spanning athletics, arts, business, environmental leadership and community service.

Event development manager Chris Babcock says the awards continue to spotlight residents and organizations making a meaningful impact.

Finalists include:

Honour in the Arts: Cole Mash, Robert Payne, Valaura Jones.

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Teen Honour in the Arts: Payton Bischoff, Tim Derochie, Julian Cucinschi.

Coach/Sport Administrator of the Year: Ashlee Davison, Clay Stothers, Daryle Assman.

Athletic Team of the Year: UBCO Heat women’s softball, Okanagan FC U16 boys soccer, Kelowna Minor Hockey Rockets U11B.

Female Athlete of the Year: Kassidy Rutledge, Lily Stroda, Julia Alexander-Carew.

Male Athlete of the Year: Finley Cashin, Matthys Weststrate, Paul Atkin.

Young Female Athlete of the Year: Karina Haggerty, Layna Haggerty, Alexa Latt.

Young Male Athlete of the Year: Hayden Bosma, Finley Stewart, Isaac Hamilton.

Champion for the Environment: Kelowna Chinese United Association, Energy Economics, Tessa Terbasket.

Corporate Community of the Year: Wilden Group, Troika, Urban Systems Ltd.

Volunteer Organization of the Year: Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, Friends of the South Slopes Society.

Young Citizen of the Year: Dilynn Scott, Mateo Porter-Partida, Nadifa Omar.

Citizen of the Year: Paul Clark, Gurleen Gang, Barb Egan.

Winners will be announced May 4 at the Kelowna Community Theatre.

by Vernon Matters Staff
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