Awards of Excellence

Recognizes those who have a legacy and reputation for making life better for a broad segment of our population. In particular, those who made Vancouver shine with their long-term commitment to public engagement and volunteering.

Information icon Recipients are selected by the Mayor and are not open for public nomination.

Learn about previous recipients

Recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated leadership in advancing reconciliation efforts in Vancouver.

For excellence in the areas of science, technology, and sustainability.

A new award to recognize organizations, individuals, and businesses that increase community vibrancy in Vancouver through local events, public realm activation, or arts and culture.

A new award to recognize individuals and businesses making a new or long-standing impact in the city, through their products or services, community impact, or vision. 

A new award to honour individuals or organizations contributing to the success of hosting large-scale national or international events in Vancouver, including in sports, arts, and culture.

A new award to acknowledge individuals or organizations working to create change in their communities, address systemic barriers,  and create equitable opportunities for all Vancouver residents.

Individuals

You can nominate any person – including children and youth up to age 21 – who lives, works, volunteers, or goes to school in Vancouver, including the University Endowment Lands.

In each category, we will evaluate nominated adults separately from youth and children (anyone under the age of 21).

Organizations

You can nominate any of these types of Vancouver-based organizations:

• Non-profit
• Groups or service clubs
• Educational institutions
• Hospitals
• Government departments (federal and provincial) 
• Unions
• Professional and trade associations
• Media organizations
• Public or private corporations

Who's not eligible

City of Vancouver employees, departments, and elected officials.

Can you nominate yourself?

No, unless you're nominating your own organization.

We review the completed nominations

We evaluate nominations using our selection criteria and may move a nomination to a different category in special cases when appropriate. In each category, we'll evaluate nominated adults separately from children and youth.

Our Nomination Sub-Committee of Council makes recommendations to City Council.

City Council approves the recommendations and we notify the winners.

Our selection criteria

• Scope: The range of activities and breadth of influence or inspiration of the achievement 
• Achievement: The significance of the achievement itself, with consideration given to creativity, innovation, and general significance of the activity for the individual or community
• Impact: The potential for fundamental and lasting positive change
• Method: The manner in which the activities were performed, for example, with creativity, innovation, inclusivity, consultation, and collaboration