News release

For immediate release

Past winners proudly holding up their Environmental Awards following an awards ceremony at Saanich Municipal Hall

 

Saanich Environmental Awards nomination deadline extended to May 3

Saanich, BC – The Saanich Environmental Awards are presented annually to people and organizations nominated based on their outstanding contributions to the protection of the natural environment in Saanich.

The Environmental Awards are an initiative of the Saanich Environment and Natural Areas Advisory Committee (ENAC) and have recognized over 170 people since 2000.

This year's deadline for submitting Environmental Award nominations has been extended to Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

“The legacy of over 20 years of past winners is on display all over Saanich,” said Councilor Karen Harper. “As we all work through the challenges of the past couple of years it is wonderful to be able to continue to recognize the achievements of these stewards of our community.”

Saanich Environmental Award categories:

• individual
• volunteer organization
• business
• youth (individual/youth group/school)
• biodiversity conservation (to recognize local conservation efforts towards a species, plant community, habitat or ecosystem)
• long-term environmental achievement (to recognize a lifetime of local environmental effort by an individual)
• sustainability (to recognize a local contribution towards sustainability, integrating environmental, social and economic values)

Past winners:

“As a young adult, I embraced Henry Fiedorowicz’s philosophy: ‘If we all light our own little candle, one day the world will have light.’ Volunteering has provided me with a specific way to do just that: by developing new skills, by stewarding our natural environment, and consequently by contributing to my community with thoughtful actions,” says Lori James Derry, winner of the 2020 Individual Achievement award. “By highlighting local resources and grassroots knowledge, we are regionally inclusive, accessible and responsive.”

Past recipients have been involved in invasive species removal, environmental education, creating habitat, research, and inspiring others. Business awards have been given for leadership and practices that promote sustainability and climate action.

Award eligibility:

You can nominate anyone as long as their environmental work impacts Saanich. Nominations must be submitted by the deadline of May 3, 2022 at 4 p.m., through the online nomination form via the link below or see our brochure for paper submissions.

Full criteria and information on the nominations progress can be found 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