Council Directs Staff to Explore New Community Ambassador Award and Review Civic Recognition Program
Owen Sound Council has directed staff to report on a proposed Community Ambassador Award and options for reviewing the city's existing recognition programs.
Owen Sound City Council has directed staff to prepare a report on the potential creation of a Community Ambassador Award, intended to recognize individuals, groups, or businesses that positively represent the city through contributions in areas such as arts, philanthropy, business, education, and athletics.
The motion, introduced by Councillor Carol Merton and supported by Councillor Suneet Kukreja, was passed at the January 26 council meeting.
Deputy Mayor Scott Greig proposed an amendment to expand the scope of the staff report, asking that it also include a review of the city’s broader awards program and explore alignment with the Vision 2050 strategic plan. Council supported the amendment.
“I just wanted to put that before council for consideration,” said Greig, who had raised the idea of a rotational recognition model during a strategic planning session in 2025. His suggestion included recognizing a different theme each year, such as arts and culture, heritage, environmental stewardship, or community groups.
Councillor Marion Koepke and Councillor Jon Farmer also voiced support for broadening the program, with Farmer suggesting a link between award themes and Vision 2050 priorities.
Staff confirmed that, in anticipation of the motion, the work had already been included in 2026 planning.
The report will include an overview of existing awards—such as the Jan Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year Award, Arts and Cultural Awards, and Sports Hall of Fame—and will propose draft criteria and processes for the new award and possible program changes.
The renewed interest in civic awards follows the cancellation of the 2025 Arts, Culture, and Volunteer Awards, which had been scheduled for April but were called off due to a lack of nominations.
In an email to nominators dated March 18, 2025, the City said that “the low number of submissions... did not allow for a fair and competitive selection process.” Nominations received at that time will be carried forward for future consideration.
That cancellation came despite a 2024 announcement that the awards would become an annual tradition. Previous ceremonies have recognized a wide range of contributors—from youth and senior volunteers to artists, musicians, and cultural organizers.
Council’s direction means the report will return in 2026 ahead of the 2027 award nomination cycle.
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