Nominations open for Brock’s Volunteer of the Year and other community awards

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Residents are encouraged to shine a spotlight on the people, organizations, and businesses which help make their community stronger. Nominations are now open for the 2026 Annual Awards of Merit.

The awards recognize individuals, groups, and businesses which have added value to the community and enriched the lives of residents, through their contributions in a variety of fields.

Nominations are currently being accepted in six categories: Arts, Heritage and Culture; Sports and Recreation; Social Development; Community Service Groups or Clubs; Volunteer of the Year; and Environment/Climate Change Champion.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the annual awards are an important opportunity to celebrate the many people who give their time and energy to improving the community.

“Across our communities, there are countless residents, volunteers, organizations, and businesses quietly making a difference every day,” Mayor Jubb said. “The Annual Awards of Merit give us a chance to recognize those contributions and celebrate the people who help make our community such a special place to live.”

In addition to the general awards, nominations are also open for the Township’s Accessibility Award which recognizes a local business, organization, or individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving accessibility across the community.

The award celebrates efforts which go beyond meeting accessibility standards, highlighting those who actively remove barriers, raise awareness, and ensure people of all abilities can participate fully in community life.

Nominees for the Accessibility Award should demonstrate leadership in promoting accessibility awareness and show how accessibility has been made a key consideration in their space, services, or operations.

Residents submitting nominations are encouraged to include: specific examples of accessibility improvements; details on how awareness has been increased; and ways the nominee has exceeded expectations, to make the community more inclusive.

“Accessibility is about making sure everyone has the opportunity to take part in community life,” Mayor Jubb added. “This award recognizes those who go the extra mile to remove barriers and create a welcoming environment, for residents and visitors of all abilities.”

Nominations for all awards will be accepted up until Sunday, May 31st.

Those interested in nominating an individual, business, or organization can complete the official nomination form online, at www.townshipofbrock.ca/awards.