Saanich, BC – Every year, Saanich recognizes individuals, businesses, organizations and youth for their significant contributions to stewarding the environment. The 2022 Environmental Awards were announced at the June 20 Council meeting. 

The awards are an initiative of Saanich’s Environment and Natural Areas Advisory Committee (ENAC) and are presented by Mayor Fred Haynes and the committee chair, Councillor Karen Harper. The ENAC is a dedicated group of appointed volunteers whose duties include reviewing the nominations received from community members and carefully selecting the winners.

This year’s recipients were recognized for ecological restoration and stewardship, ecological protection on private lands, fundraising and community leadership, climate action related leadership, youth environmental leadership and so much more.

The 2022 Saanich Environmental Award recipients include:

• Individual – Sharon Stangeland
• Volunteer – Kings Community Nature Space Fundraising Group
• Youth – Matthias Spalteholz
• Biodiversity conservation – Barry Andrushuk
• Sustainability - Jim Church
• Long term environmental achievement – Heather Coey

“I’m so proud to recognize these environmental stewards and all they have achieved,” said Saanich Councillor Karen Harper. “Congratulations to our well-deserved winners and thank you to their nominators. Your stewardship makes our community an even greater place.”

Heather Coey, a teacher at Reynolds Secondary School, received the long-term environmental achievement award for her leadership in youth engagement in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

“I’m honoured to be recognized with so many other outstanding environmental leaders in Saanich,” said Coey. “As I approach retirement after 33 years of teaching, I hope to continue to have a positive impact on my community.”

In addition to being honoured at the June 20 Council meeting, award recipients receive a framed certificate and recognition on a commemorative plaque at Municipal Hall.

Learn more about the recipients and the awards at saanich.ca/enviroawards. 

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Media contact:
Karen Harper, Chair
Environment and Natural Areas Advisory Committee
karen.harper@saanich.ca
250-208-6247