Two individuals and four community projects received recognition tonight during the 13th Annual Mayor’s Community Safety Awards, for their outstanding work in the community.

“Congratulations to our award winners and thank you to all the nominees for all you do in our community,” said Acting Mayor Dominic Pasqualino. “City Council is proud to recognize and highlight the impact you continue to make in our city.”

The award recipients were featured in a video played at the award ceremony, highlighting the work they do in the community.

“It is always difficult to choose finalists for these awards, with so many deserving groups in our community,” said Jeff Upton, Chair – Community Safety & Well-Being Thunder Bay. “Congratulations to the award recipients who are making Thunder Bay a safer and more inclusive place to live, work and play.”

The 2023 Mayor’s Community Safety Award Recipients are as follows:

COMMUNITY HERO

Jon Green

Jon Green is an active team member of Elevate NWO, a not-for-profit organization that believes individuals experiencing chronic homelessness can be successfully housed. As an outreach worker, Jon compassionately approaches and supports individuals living unsheltered in our community, delivers nutritious breakfasts five days a week, participates in routine wellness checks, connects people with supports and harm reduction services, and coordinates regular clean-ups. He is now a familiar face in the community due to his warm demeanour and non-judgmental approach. Through continuous networking and outreach, Jon strives to facilitate ongoing support and build a safer community for everyone.

Award sponsored by Apex Investigation & Security

YOUNG LEADER AWARD

Winner McGuire

Winner McGuire is a dynamic young leader and the current co-president of the Regional Multicultural Youth Council (RMYC). She helps immigrants, Indigenous youth and people of colour navigate societal and institutional barriers and guides them towards a successful future. She has even led RMYC to form a Black Youth Committee. Believing education empowers women, she inspires young girls to stay in school and follow their passions. Winner has participated in RMYC’s Girl Power Program and organizes workshops to increase awareness about human trafficking among young women. She is currently working for the RMYC Student Working Group to ensure schools are safe and conducive to efficient learning. Contributing to the organization since middle school, Winner endeavours to create a healthy, safe and socially just society.

Award sponsored by Generator

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PROJECT

Expressive Arts Program

The Expressive Arts Program was formed at NorWest Community Health Centres in 2019 to improve community well-being. People struggling with mental health challenges find comfort and companionship in this welcoming group. Over 16 weeks, a NorWest community health worker and a community expressive arts facilitator teach participants ways to utilize art as a means of expressing their emotions, coping with stress, and building confidence. The instructors create a comfortable environment for everyone, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion that buffers the experience of social anxiety. Through this program, people find an inspiring community to support their efforts and positively channel their energy into creative projects. The Expressive Arts Program infuses growth and friendship, leading to a safer and more supportive community.

Award sponsored by Enbridge Gas Inc.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PROJECT

People with Lived Experience Advisory Committee

The People with Lived Experience (PWLE) Advisory Committee has contributed to building a safer community for over five years. Comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds of lived and / or living experience who come together to share their knowledge, wisdom, and experiences to help address community challenges, including systemic barriers. They make recommendations and provide consultations to local organizations catering to Thunder Bay’s specific needs. Their valuable insights and input extend to several initiatives, including the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy and its various Working Groups, Community Safety & Well-Being Thunder Bay and its diverse Action Tables, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, and other community projects. The dedication and commitment of the PWLE Advisory Committee is integral to making Thunder Bay a safer community for all.

Award sponsored by GardaWorld

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PROJECT

Voices of Youth Project by Regional Multicultural Youth Council in partnership with Nishnawbe Aski Nation Oshkaatisak Youth Council

The Voices of Youth project is a joint effort by RMYC and NAN Oshkaatisak Council to rekindle young people’s passion for learning and to combat the disruptive impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic had on young people’s education. The Voices of Youth project offered a platform for young people to share the impacts of the pandemic on their mental well-being, their academic performance, and on their social lives. It trained peers to lead activities and workshops that steer students towards more positive outcomes. It also gathered feedback and suggestions from the students on ways to make the post-pandemic world a better place. Helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth realize their full potential, the Voices of Youth project provided an important opportunity to learn and become involved in creating a safer community.

Award sponsored by Circle K

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PROJECT

Poverty-Free Thunder Bay

Poverty-Free Thunder Bay (PFTB) is a collaborative coalition of changemakers advocating for the elimination of poverty and its consequences within the community. It is a forum created by members of Kinna-aweya Community Legal Clinic, Thunder Bay and District Injured Workers Support Group, Thunder Bay & District Labour Council and affiliates, United Church Guaranteed Livable Income Network, Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre, Thunder Bay Health Coalition, Thunder Bay and District Health Unit and concerned citizens to champion social transformation. At present PFTB has three working groups. The first group focuses on advocating to double the monthly rates for people on Ontario Works and those on Ontario Disability Support Program. The second group focuses on establishing a National Guaranteed Livable Basic Income. The third working group is advocating for improvements to the local transit system, including increased accessibility and a fare-free system for individuals with low income.

Award sponsored by Matawa First Nations Management

Each Outstanding Community Project recipient received a $1,000 award from their sponsor to support community safety efforts. You can view videos of the winners and their respective projects here: www.thunderbay.ca/communitysafetyawards.