A major awards program aimed at St. Albert citizens is returning for 2014.
The City of St. Albert announced this week nominations are once again open for the Community Recognition Awards. The awards have been ongoing for several years, noted Mayor Nolan Crouse.
Crouse noted community recognition artwork was unveiled at the intersection of Perron Street and Winston Churchill Avenue in 2011, adorned with the names of many respected and admired local community builders.
However, the mayor noted there are usually too many important community builders to mention, so it was decided nominations would be held annually to add more names to the artwork. The names are chiseled right into the stone.
The criteria are relatively simple for the awards.
“Those people who’ve had such a significant impact on St. Albert,” said Crouse at the Gazette office Wednesday. “It’s everything. The Grey Nuns, as a group, are on there.”
Criteria spans many different parts of the community, including education, politics, business and clergy. Crouse noted there is a policy that lists some guidelines.
A City of St. Albert news release noted the community recognition program recognizes and celebrates the achievements of residents in the areas of sport, arts and culture, citizenship, professional achievement, and past era businesses of distinction. A complementary pillar of business category is available through the St. Albert & District Chamber of Commerce.
Nominations are reviewed by a volunteer committee, and the shortlist candidates are forwarded to city council for final approval.
Nominations are open for the Community Recognition Program until Feb. 15. Applications will be reviewed by the community services advisory board in March, with recommendations made to council in April. A presentation will be made to award recipients in June or July.
Detailed information about the awards is available on the City of St. Albert website: www.stalbert.ca.
