Civic Recognition Award
The City of Niagara Falls Civic Recognition Program provides an opportunity to recognize individuals, teams and groups that have brought honour to the community based on their achievements. Awards are presented for accomplishment in education, arts, culture, sport, recreational pursuits and other special achievements. General Criteria for all Nominations as follows:
1. Reside in the City of Niagara Falls at the time of the achievement.
2. Have been educated or trained with an organization/team based in the City of Niagara Falls.
3. Individuals or groups will be recognized for achieving the highest level of Provincial and National competition or award.
4. Competition must be recognized by the sport’s governing body, tournaments do not qualify.
5. Persons and/or teams achieving accomplishments at a unique level, i.e. International awards may also receive special recognition.
Volunteer Recognition Awards
Nominations & The Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony
Nominations for the 2024 Volunteer Recognition Awards are now closed. Visit us again in the new year to make a nomination in 2025. The 2024 Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 27th at the Niagara Falls Exchange (5943 Sylvia Place). This event is by invitation only. Reception starts at 6:00 pm with the award ceremony starting at 6:30 pm. Dress is business casual. Complimentary finger foods and a cash bar will be available during the reception.
If you need assistance or have a question, please send us an email or call Recreation & Culture at 905-356-7521 ext.3341.
2024 Volunteer Award Recipients
Visit our Volunteer Award Recipients page to find out who was honoured.
Check out the photos from the awards ceremony.
About the Volunteer Recognition Awards
The Annual Volunteer Recognition Program provides an excellent opportunity to honour and recognize the many outstanding volunteers in our community. Community organizations are invited to recognize one Individual Volunteer and one Corporate Sponsor each year.
In addition, anyone may nominate individuals (or organizations) to receive one of our Special Awards.
Listing of annual Special Awards
Stamford Collegiate Alumni Association Award in Memory of Barbara Frum
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has enhanced the quality of our lives by virtue of their outstanding contribution to fostering and developing Arts and Cultural opportunities in Niagara Falls. Barbara Frum was a well-known and respected journalist, interviewer, and commentator in print, radio, and television.
Civic Pride Award
This award is presented to those residents who demonstrate a true commitment to our community and help 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.
Environment Award
This award is presented to those citizens, groups, businesses, industry or organizations residing or working in the City of Niagara Falls who have significantly contributed to the protection or enhancement of the City's environment.
George MacPhail Award
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has displayed an outstanding volunteer contribution to recreation for the citizens of Niagara Falls. It is made in memory of George MacPhail, a former Niagara Falls elementary school vice principal and a long-time, dedicated member of the City of Niagara Falls Recreation Committee.
Senior Volunteer of the Year Award
This award is presented to a senior resident, 60 years of age or older, who demonstrates a true commitment to our community through volunteer work. The service they provide goes well above and beyond and makes a significant impact on the community.
Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
This award is presented to a youth resident, 21 years of age or younger, who demonstrates a true commitment to our community through volunteer work. Their service goes well above and beyond any volunteer service required by their school.
In addition, BeNF Awards are presented each year by the Mayor's Office. The BeNF Award recognizes people who are proud to be a part of the fabric that makes up Niagara Falls and give back in a generous way to fellow residents. The Doug Austin Award is presented each year by The Niagara Falls Review.
2024 Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony
The 2024 edition of the Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony will happen on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at the Niagara Falls Exchange, located at 5943 Sylvia Place in Niagara Falls (off of Main Street). The event will start with a complimentary hors d'ouvres welcome reception at 6:00 pm (cash bar), followed by the awards ceremony at 6:30pm. The event will conclude at 8:00 pm. Award recipients will be contacted by email to inform them of the particulars. Nominating organizations will also be able to bring limited guests to the event.
Local artists who have made a significant contribution to arts and culture in Niagara Falls.
Outstanding, residential Halloween decorations, lighting displays and special effects in Niagara Falls. Free to enter. Prizes awarded by a panel of judges and by popular vote.
Local athletes, teams, builders and sponsors whose achievements and/or support have brought fame to themselves and our community and/or enriched the local sports community.
Outstanding curbside horticultural, landscaping displays (residential and commercial) in Niagara Falls. Recognizing and encouraging city-wide beautification. New themes each year. Prizes awarded by a panel of judges.
