New awards.
The Warden's Community Service Awards will be awarded later this month, before the end of Bob Sweet's final term as warden.
Steve Newman, Renfrew Mercury
At the Nov. 28 session of Renfrew County council, three individuals or groups will be honoured with the first-ever Warden’s Community Service Awards.
Approval of the annual awards came at a brief meeting of the property and development committee, just before county council’s monthly meeting Oct. 31.
The initial cost will be about $2,500. This will cover the cost of individual plaques and a larger plaque, to be hung at the entrance to the county council chambers with the recipients’ names. The money will come from the economic development marketing budget.
Development and property director Paul Moreau said the awards are a way to recognize businesses, not-for-profit groups and individuals for the contributions they make to Renfrew County, in improving the county’s quality of life.
“It’s important to notice them and highlight what they’re doing within our community,” said Moreau.
“It’s about time we started recognize the good work that volunteer organizations, businesses and individuals do year in and year out in Renfrew County,” said Warden Bob Sweet. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase that.”
Sweet said the extent of contributions was highlighted during 2011’s Expo 150, which was the county’s 150th-anniversary celebrations. Also, Sweet said Renfrew County is sometimes a bit slow to recognize its own successes, and this is a chance to change that.
The three award categories will be for individuals, not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses.
The selection review committee is comprised of the warden, one other member of county council and the chief administrative officer. Nominees must live in Renfrew County.
The development and property committee report says the valuable contributions made to our community “are not limited to providing employment and creating wealth. Individuals, businesses and organizations also make important decisions and take real action regarding their social responsibility.”
Due to limited time before this year’s presentations, the 2012 nominations will be made by Renfrew County elected officials and staff. However, in 2013, both the general public and elected officials will be able to make nominations in all three categories.