The Recreation Committee sponsors three special awards annually that are presented at the Volunteer Recognition Evening.
Nomination forms are available by visiting the Awards for Citizens page, or you can pick them up at the Recreation & Culture office in the MacBain Community Centre.
George MacPhail Award
This award is presented to an individual or organization who has contributed outstanding volunteer service in recreation to the citizens of Niagara Falls.
The award is made in memory of George MacPhail, a former Niagara Falls elementary school vice-principal and a longtime, dedicated member of the City of Niagara Falls Recreation Committee.
PAST WINNERS OF THE GEORGE MacPHAIL AWARD
- 2021 - Robert (Barney) Barnes
- 2020 - Deborah Toth
- 2019 - Anthony (Butch) Sacco
- 2018 - Caleb Smith
- 2017 - Robert Pysher
- 2016 - Mike Glazier
- 2015 - Chris Hodgson
- 2014 - Frank Marchese
- 2013 - Mike Strange
- 2012 - Tim Chamberlain
- 2011 - Vito Scaringi
- 2010 - Don Jackson
- 2009 - Guy Caporicci
- 2008 - Joe Oreskovich
- 2007 - Gus Crescenzi
- 2006 – Les Potapczyk
- 2005 – Tom Grubb
- 2004 – Brian McEachern
- 2003 – Clyde Carruthers
- 2002 – Murray Etherington
- 2001 – Angelo Giajnorio
- 2000 - Robert Vukmanich
Civic Pride Award
This award is presented to individuals, groups/organizations and youth (18 and under) who demonstrate a true commitment to our community, and help to make the City a nicer, cleaner place in which to live by making a difference to the daily lives of those who live in Niagara Falls.
These awards recognize the "unsung heroes" who take pride and ownership in our community. Their actions demonstrate how important the little things in life can be, and how a difference can be made by an individual or group.
All nominations received and deemed to be in keeping with its intent shall receive an award. The most outstanding nomination from all those received shall be awarded the Civic Award trophy.
PAST WINNERS OF THE CIVIC PRIDE AWARD
- 2021 - Anne Westhues
- 2020 - Wally Friesman
- 2019 - John Anstruther
- 2018 - Sharon Sumner
- 2017 - Michael Brzozowski
- 2016 - Jim Spencer
- 2015 - Giordano DeBiasi
- 2014 - Kistoph Colver
- 2013 - Maryteresa Defaveri-Bak
- 2012 - Frank Fohr
- 2011 - John Harkness
- 2010 - Hank Handke
- 2009 - Sophia Scholtens
- 2008 - Alex Romanowich
- 2007 - Courtyard Gang (Raymond Fong, Andrew Petheram, Brian Stoner)
- 2006 – Friends of Brian Crescent (P. Samuel, D. Bodnar, P. Hawken, M. Takeda)
- 2005 – Don W. Johnson
Doug Austin Award
This award is sponsored by the Niagara Falls Review and is given to a person in the community in recognition of dedicated volunteer service and accomplishment in sports.
The award is made to honour the memory of Doug Austin who was a longtime and respected Sports Editor with the newspaper.
Although the Niagara Falls Review makes the final choice of the award winner, citizens are encouraged to pass on their suggestions to the current sports editor of the newspaper.
PAST WINNERS OF THE DOUG AUSTIN AWARD
- 2021 - Wernher Verbraeken
- 2020 - Geoff Allen
- 2019 - Deborah Toth
- 2018 - Tony Arcuri
- 2017 - Vito DiMartino
- 2016 - Dave Buchanan
- 2015 - Rose DiLondaro
- 2014 - Vito Scaringi
- 2013 - Winston Auld
- 2012 - Larry Blanchfield
- 2011 - Gus Crescenzi
- 2010 - Robyn Crandall
- 2009 - David Trotter
- 2008 - Mick Wolfe
- 2007 - Ed Strohak
- 2006 – Mike Glazier
- 2005 – Tim &Terry Masterson
- 2004 – Murray Etherington
- 2003 - Andy & Claude Cloutier
- 2002 – Doug Aitchison Sr.
- 2001 – Bill Rootes
- 2000 – Pat Kelly Sr.
