Community Recognition Awards

Volunteer Service Awards 

Recognition will be given to Orangeville residents in three categories: community and social services, sports and recreation and arts and culture. Candidates for volunteer services awards will have contributed a significant amount of time and energy toward the development of community life throughout Orangeville.

Community and social services: volunteers with organizations such as service clubs, seniors’ organizations, social service agencies, health care and environmental groups.

Sports and recreation: volunteer coaches, leaders, referees, board members etc. with organizations such as guides and scouts, minor sports groups, youth groups or other recreation and leisure-based organizations.

Arts and culture: volunteers involved in positions like board governance, event planning and delivery, instructional programs and promotion of arts and culture in the community.

Eligibility

• nominees must reside in Orangeville
• nominees must have contributed to organizations that serve Orangeville and its residents
• nominees must have contributed a minimum of five years of service in any one category (youth ages 14 to 18 years of age will be considered with three years of service)
• nominees must not have received financial remuneration for their work excluding reimbursements for travel, lodging, equipment or supplies
• individuals may be nominated in a different category in subsequent years
• individuals are eligible to be recognized a minimum of every five years in the same category
• a maximum of two volunteers will be selected from each category annually (nominating committee to review based on number of nominees each year)

Citizen Achievement Awards 

The Citizen Achievement Awards recognize Orangeville residents who have achieved notable success beyond the local level. Notable success means they have been recognized at a provincial, national or international level for their accomplishments.

Sports achievement: for individuals or teams recognized at provincial, national or international levels in sports requiring physical skill and conditioning.

Eligibility:

• nominee was an Orangeville resident during the achievement (temporary relocation for training/competition is acceptable)
• teams have an Orangeville home base and at least 80 per cent of members are Orangeville residents or attend local schools
• teams are not for profit; participants/coaches may not have received remuneration (monetary compensation) beyond expense reimbursement; unpaid coaches/trainers may be recognized with the team
• recognition is typically once per achievement level; any potential future awards require a higher level (e.g. provincial or national) or comparable escalation and achievements must be within 12 months of the nomination deadline
• depending how many nominations are received, the Town has the right to limit recipients based on criteria

Arts and culture achievement: for individuals or groups whose work has been recognized, like in competitions or exhibitions, ideally at the provincial, national or international level. Performing, visual, media and creative arts are included with this category.

Eligibility:

• nominee was an Orangeville resident during the achievement (temporary relocation to pursue the arts is acceptable)
• groups have an Orangeville home base and at least 80 per cent of members reside in Orangeville
• artists may receive professional remuneration (monetary compensation), however, paid managers/agents are not eligible
• recognition is typically once per achievement level/medium/age group unless a higher level is reached; achievements must be within 12 months of the nomination deadline
• depending on how many nominations are received, the Town has the right to limit recipients based on criteria

Community Champion Award

This award recognizes someone who has greatly improved community life through continued efforts, as a volunteer or otherwise, for at least ten years. This award is only given when merited, based on the nominations we receive, and only one person may receive it at a time. The nominee must be an Orangeville resident or have been a resident during the time of their contribution. Posthumous nominations are not eligible. 

Mayor’s Special Achievement Award

The program’s highest honour, this award is given to a single nominee selected from those submitted across all categories. It recognizes an extraordinary, timely or singular achievement or contribution that brings distinction to Orangeville and does not fit other categories. The mayor selects the recipient with input from Council, the chief administrative officer and select members of senior leadership or a person they designate.  Nominations received and/or independent referrals are considered. No public call is required for this award and only awarded when merited.