April 23, 2026 - City Council recognized volunteers in the community at the 48th Annual Citizens of Exceptional Achievement Awards ceremony, held on Wednesday evening. The Awards recognize individuals and organizations who volunteer their time to improve and enrich our community.

“It is so important that we recognize the volunteers who make such an impact in our community,” said Jeff Walters, Manager - Legislative Services and Deputy City Clerk.

Awards were presented in the following categories:

Youth Award

This award is presented to an individual, up to the age of 21 years, who, for a minimum of two years, has increased the profile of youth in Thunder Bay through volunteer contributions that enrich quality of life in the community. Volunteer service must be outside the mandated 40 hours. Recipients for 2026 are:

  • Andreh Alaref
  • Kiryn Joseph
  • Abbigayle Lavoie
  • Alina Marikainen Rameriz
  • Paige Towsley

Good Citizen Award

This award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding volunteer contributions in Thunder Bay for a minimum of five years. Groups and organizations may receive this recognition for 10, 25 and 50 years of service and every 10 year increment thereafter. Recipients for 2026 are:

  • Biljana Baker
  • Luka Brkljacic
  • Hannah DeCorte
  • Karling Draper
  • Ruth Friedrich
  • Roberta Hannusch
  • Jack McKinnon
  • Colleen Owen
  • Andrei Rosario
  • Roger Searson

Spirit of Thunder Bay Award

This special award recognizes an individual who has volunteered time toward improving and enriching the community of Thunder Bay. This is an individual who has shown extraordinary leadership, innovation and meaningful voluntary contributions, and has a minimum of 15 years of cumulative volunteer experience in Thunder Bay. Recipients for 2026 are:

  • Robin Cooper
  • Sharon Dempsey
  • Catherine Goodman
  • Emily Kerton
  • Heather McLeod

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Contact:            Jeff Walters, Manager - Legislative Services and Deputy City Clerk, 807-625-2236, jeff.walters@thunderbay.ca