Civic Awards | Loyalist Township

We recognise the significant impact that volunteer groups, non-profit organizations and individuals have in our community.

Our Civic Awards program honours the meaningful contributions and roles that volunteering and community service have in making Loyalist Township a thriving, innovative, and sustainable place to live, work and grow.

2025 Civic Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2025 Civic Award Winners!

The Citizen of the Year - The Bill Lowry Award, presented to Mike Kubisheski

The Citizen of the Year - Bill Lowry Award is presented to an adult individual who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts over a minimum of five years within Loyalist Township whether through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.  

Congratulations to Mike Kubisheski, the recipient of the 2025 Citizen of the Year – Bill Lowry Award. Mike Kubisheski is a remarkable example of community leadership and service. Recognizing a need in Amherstview, he took the initiative to establish a local food bank, which he continues to manage with dedication and care. Mike also plays a key role in organizing the annual Amherstview Lions Club Santa Claus Parade, delivering a memorable event for residents and visitors to enjoy. His initiative, reliability, and generous spirit have left a lasting impact on the community. We are proud to honour Mike as this year’s Citizen of the Year.

The Junior Citizen of the Year Award, presented to William Lamarre

The Junior Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual, under the age of 18, who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.

Congratulations to William Lamarre, the recipient of the 2025 Junior Citizen of the Year Award. Since joining Loyalist Township as a volunteer in 2024, William has brought enthusiasm, positivity, and a strong commitment to every event he’s supported. His cheerful presence and willingness to contribute wherever needed have made a lasting impression on organizers and community members alike. William exemplifies the spirit of youth volunteerism and the positive impact it has on building a vibrant, inclusive community. We are proud to honour William as this year’s Junior Citizen of the Year.

The Senior Citizen of the Year Award, presented to Don Ley

The Senior Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual over the age of 55 who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts over a minimum of five years within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.

Don Ley, the winner of The Senior Citizen of the Year Award, dedicated over 34 years to volunteer leadership and community service through sport in Loyalist Township. From coaching youth teams to serving as President of the Amherstview Jets Junior Hockey Club, Don’s commitment to mentorship and player development has left a lasting impact on generations of young athletes. His leadership, generosity, and unwavering community spirit embody the values celebrated by the Civic Awards. Thank you, Don.

The ResiLient Community Award, presented to Roberta Young

The ResiLient Community Award is presented to an individual or organization who are passionately working to make Loyalist Township a more resilient and environmentally conscious community.

Congratulations to Roberta Young, the recipient of the 2025 ResiLient Community Award.

Roberta Young embodies resilience and community leadership, with more than 25 years of volunteer service dedicated to environmental stewardship and social support. As the longtime organizer of the Earth Day Community Clean-Up in Bath, she has inspired residents to come together in caring for and enhancing the local environment. Through initiatives like the Angel Tree program, Roberta has also extended compassion to those in need, strengthening the fabric of the community. Her enduring commitment has made Loyalist Township a more sustainable and compassionate place for all.

The Organization of the Year Award, presented to The Amherst Island Women's Institute Club

The Organization of the Year Award is presented to a volunteer group or non-profit organization who has shown dedication through volunteerism, community service and sponsorship.

Congratulations to The Amherst Island Women’s Institute, the recipient of the 2025 Organization of the Year Award.

For 125 years, the Amherst Island Women’s Institute has been a cornerstone of community life—promoting education, preserving local heritage, and supporting countless volunteer initiatives. As one of the oldest branches in Canada, the Institute has brought generations together through its unwavering commitment to service and civic pride. Their work continues to enrich the social and cultural fabric of Amherst Island today. We are proud to recognize the Amherst Island Women’s Institute as the 2025 Organization of the Year.

2026 Civic Awards

Citizens are invited to nominate local individuals and/or groups who have volunteered their time to make a positive impact on the community through projects, initiatives, events, and goodwill service. If you have any questions regarding your nomination application, please contact our staff at Heritage, Culture and Tourism who will be happy to help.

Nominations for the 2026 Civic Awards will open early 2026.

Eligibility and nomination details

Individuals, groups, or non-profit organizations who volunteer their time and skills while showcasing unprecedented dedication to the community of Loyalist Township.
Must be a resident of, business owner within, or directly serve Loyalist Township.
The same individual, group or non-profit organization can be nominated for multiple categories but will only receive recognition for one award per year.

Employees of Loyalist Township for efforts or contributions made within their work duties.
Paid professionals for efforts or contributions made within their work duties.
An individual, group or non-profit organization who has won in the category the previous year.

Through the online Nomination Form
Print a copy of the Nomination Form and drop off at the Odessa Municipal Office – 263 Main Street, Odessa.

Completed Nomination Form
Letter of Recommendation (300 words or less) detailing the achievements and contributions that the individual, group, or non-profit organization has made to the community.
Two Letters of Support

Citizen of the Year - Bill Lowry Award

This award will be presented to an adult individual between the ages of 19 - 54 who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts over a minimum of five years within Loyalist Township whether through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.

Junior Citizen of the Year

This award will be presented to an individual, under the age of 18, who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.

Senior Citizen of the Year

This award will be presented to an individual over the age of 55 who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts over a minimum of five years within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.

Organization of the Year

This award will be presented to a volunteer group or non-profit organization who has shown dedication through volunteerism, community service and sponsorship.

ResiLient Community Award

This award will be presented to an individual or organization who is passionately working to make Loyalist Township a more resilient and environmentally conscious community.

Award Selection Process and Ceremony

All nominations received by the submission deadline will be evaluated by Loyalist Township Council and Council will select the recipients. As a nominator, you will be informed of receipt of the nomination, as well as the result of the evaluation, following the selection process.

Recipients will be contacted in the first week of June and the awards will be presented each year at the Bath Canada Day Celebrations.

Nomination Form for the Loyalist Township Annual Civic Awards

2024 Civic Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Civic Award Winners!

group of men and women holding award certificates

The Citizen of the Year - The Bill Lowry Award, presented to Terri Austin

The Citizen of the Year - Bill Lowry Award is presented to an adult individual who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts over a minimum of five years within Loyalist Township whether through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship. 

Congratulations to Terri Austin, the recipient of the 2024 Citizen of the Year – Bill Lowry Award. Terri is an active member of the Bath Lions Club, a volunteer with the Lennox and Addington Hospice and actively contributes to the support local art and business community. She works tirelessly to support the annual Walk About Town and Ham Dinner and is a true community leader. Congratulations again, Terri!

The Junior Citizen of the Year Award, presented to Ayesha Bukhari

The Junior Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual, under the age of 18, who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.

Congratulations to Ayesha Bukhari, the recipient of the 2024 Junior Citizen of the Year Award. Ayesha is a student at Ernestown Secondary School. Being new to the school in 2022, she quickly took on a leadership role developing initiatives to help new students feel welcomed and supported in both the school and the community. She spearheaded the formation of the schools Mosaic Club and also worked at the school and board level to organize events for Indigenous and Racialized students to connect with students at other schools and also community members. Congratulations again, Ayesha!

The Senior Citizen of the Year Award, presented to Carl Hanna

The Senior Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual over the age of 55 who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts over a minimum of five years within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.

Congratulations to Carl Hanna, the recipient of the 2024 Senior Citizen of the Year Award. Giving back to the community is Carl's passion. Whether it is collecting trash along the roadside to help beautify the community or helping to raise money to purchase books for the local elementary school, he is there. Most recently, Carl has created the Community Pantry in Odessa. Carl works to ensure that the pantry is always stocked so that those in need can access food. Congratulations again, Carl!

The ResiLient Community Award, presented to Dr. Adele Crowder

The ResiLient Community Award is presented to an individual or organization who are passionately working to make Loyalist Township a more resilient and environmentally conscious community.

Congratulations to Dr. Adele Crowder, the recipient of the 2024 ResiLient Community Award. Dr. Adele Crowder is a retired ecologist and professor emerita at Queen's University who has volunteered and freely shared her knowledge in an effort to improve resilience and support environmental projects throughout the Township. Adele has participated in recent Township projects such as the Advancing Adaptation Climate Action Working Group and as a member of the Amherstview West Secondary Plan Coordinating Committee. She also keenly participates in the Township's engagement and consultation opportunities, ensuring the naturalist's view is included and providing well-researched, academic comments.

Dr. Crowder volunteers to protect the natural environment through organizations such as the Friends of Wilton Creek, the Lennox and Addington Stewardship Council, and the Kingston Field Naturalists. Ever the educator, Adele is always keen to share her vast knowledge of the area's natural environment. Congratulations again, Adele!

The Organization of the Year Award, presented to The Odessa and District Lions Club

The Organization of the Year Award is presented to a volunteer group or non-profit organization who has shown dedication through volunteerism, community service and sponsorship.

Congratulations to the Odessa and District Lions Club, the recipient of the 2024 Organization of the Year Award. Odessa & District Lions Club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in September of 2024. Their charter members had the strength, vision and desire to create something greater than themselves. The club continually has a very positive impact on the community by providing those in need with much-needed assistance as well as helping the Loyalist community at large. From coordinating the annual Remembrance Day Service in Wilton with the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics to their annual Christmas Basket Campaign, snowsuit drives, student bursary creation, community luncheons, local food programs and assistance for those facing financial hardship, and much more.

The members of the Odessa & District Lions Club live up to Lions’ motto: “We Serve Congratulations again to the Odessa and District Lions Club