Six of the region's residents are among the 36 British Columbians named recipients of the eighth annual BC Community Achievement Awards.
Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, announced the honourees today.
"Each of these people has a remarkable record of enhancing the quality of life of residents throughout the province," said Clark. "And each truly deserves to be singled out and recognized by all British Columbians for their contributions."
The recipients of the 2011 British Columbia Community Achievement Awards will be recognized in a formal presentation at Government House in Victoria on April 20. Each will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.
Mitchell called the recognized individuals' efforts beacons to "selfless community service."
"And our lives are richer for it," he added. "These individuals work diligently all year round and their contributions yield concrete and lasting benefits for all of us."
Peter Couldwell of Quesnel has served his community of Quesnel as a councillor for more than 20 years. He has also personally helped to raise close to $3million through his skills as a volunteer auctioneer for scores of events and organizations, including local charities, the Quesnel Community Foundation and the Hospice Palliative Care Association.
Alice Maitland of Hazelton has served the Village of Hazelton as an elected official in capacities from councillor to regional district director to mayor, a position she has held for 34 years. Her influence spans all aspects of life in the area including adult education and the development of Hazelton as a unique community showcasing First Nations' culture and pioneer history. Alice has been a constant stabilizing force in her community and a strong voice for small, rural northern communities.
John Murphy of Vanderhoof has been an active community volunteer for as long as Vanderhoof residents can remember. Contributing his knowledge, skills and enthusiasm, he is a 15-year volunteer firefighter, a community and recreation fund raiser who led the effort to build a much-needed thirty-three unit seniors' residence and activity centre.
Lori Slater of Fort St. John has worked tirelessly for the goals of inclusion and accessibility in Fort St. John. The chair of the Mayor's Disability Advisory Committee, Lori also serves as chair of the Aging With Disabilities Committee, with the Rick Hansen Foundation Wheels in Motion, and was community liaison for the Measuring Up the North initiative.
Rose Colledge of Tumbler Ridge has committed her time and energy for 17 years to ensuring that Tumbler Ridge is a vibrant and successful community. Rose is currently the women's outreach co-ordinator and has served as an elected councillor, president of the Tumbler Ridge Museum and a volunteer and board member of the Tumbler Ridge Community Arts Council.
Jim Davidson, lifelong resident of the Bulkley Valley, has worked to enhance the economic viability and sustainability of the town of Smithers and the regional district. Former mayor and councillor, he initiated significant infrastructure projects, improved the region's dairy industry, created positive working relationships with First Nations communities in the area, and was instrumental in establishing the Happy Valley School for the education of special needs children.
An independent advisory council selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards. This year's council members are Mayor Peter Fassbender of Langley, Mayor Mary Sjostrom of Quesnel, Kim Capri of Vancouver, and past recipients Patrick Kelly of Victoria (2009) and George Puil of Vancouver (2008).
