Mayor's Recognition Awards

Mayor Recognition Awards Logo - 700 x 200

The Mayor’s Recognition Awards recognize Red Deer individuals, groups or teams who have brought honour and recognition to Red Deer in one of five categories. Award recipients are selected by the Mayor’s Recognition Awards Committee, with the exception of the Mayor’s Special Award recipient, which is selected by the Mayor.

Award Recipients

 Mayor's Message

A photo of Mayor Tara Veer from 2017My fellow Red Deerians,

I want to start by saying thank you.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about, recognize, and help us celebrate the incredible people and teams we are proud to call recipients of this year’s Mayor’s Recognition Awards. As with many of our important traditions and celebrations over the past 16 months, we once again find ourselves challenged to adapt and transform our traditional in-person ceremony to a virtual event.

Normally at this time of year, we would be privileged to honour our award recipients with the support of their families and guests, at a special event to recognize their community building efforts. Although the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel is becoming much brighter, we are still not quite at the point where we can hold an in-person awards ceremony. So, we’re doing it virtually. We thank you for taking part. 

The Mayor’s Recognition Awards were established to recognize “significant contributions to the community that have enhanced the image of Red Deer.” The Mayor’s Awards have become a yearly tradition in Red Deer for three decades, and are our time to honour and celebrate the people and teams who make our city great.

Nominations are received in various categories and award recipients are determined by the Mayor’s Recognition Awards Selection Committee, consisting of citizens of Red Deer.

We have 41 individuals and teams being recognized this year. I invite you to take some time to read through the list of recipients and their incredible stories. They are inspiring, they are role models, and they are all outstanding examples of why our community is a great place to call home. Our greatest resource is our people. The residents of Red Deer - you - are what make our incredible community what it is.

As a final note, the Mayor’s Special Award is given to an individual or team who demonstrates exceptional achievement and has significantly enhanced Red Deer’s profile and the quality of life for our residents. There are two recipients this year, and I can say unequivocally, each embodies the spirit and passion associated with this award and both are incredibly deserving. As is often the case with achievements like this, the recipients are not individuals but teams of people who have worked together to achieve something exceptional. I invite you to watch the Mayor’s Special Award video showcasing the accomplishments of the two award recipients.

To all our distinguished award recipients, congratulations and thank you! We are so proud of you and the lasting impact you have made and continue to make for the people of our community. We hope to be able to shake your hand and congratulate you in person very soon. We look forward to next year, when we are all able to gather for the Mayor’s Recognition Awards and community life once again.

Sincerely,

Mayor Tara Veer
The City of Red Deer

Mayor's Recognition Award Recipients Mayor's Special Award Recipients 

Award Categories

Athletics

The Athletics Award recognizes an individual or team placing first in a national event or competition or first, second or third in an international event or competition.

  • Nominees must have:
    • placed first in a national event or competition; or
    • placed first, second or third in an international event or competition where the event has been sanctioned by the respective national or international governing body of the particular sport; or
    • placed first at the highest possible level that can be achieved in their sport.
  • Nominees in the individual category must attain a higher standing in an event or competition in a given sport to be eligible for subsequent awards.
  • Nominations will be considered only on the basis of standing in an event or competition, as opposed to achievements or service to the sport.
  • Nominees will be considered for an award only in the year immediately following the year in which the achievement occurred.
  • For Individuals:
    • “Event” means a single activity or contest (e.g. a 50m free style swim); and/or
    • “Competition” means a multiple activity contest made up of more than one event (e.g. a swim meet)
  • For Teams:
    • “Event” means single activity contest with two or more participants (e.g. a 200m free style relay swim); and/or
    • “Competition” means a multiple activity contest with two or more participants made up of more than one event (e.g. a hockey tournament)
  • Nominees may have competed at an amateur or professional level.
Fine & Performing Arts

The Fine and Performing Arts award recognizes an individual or group who has gained national or international acceptance or recognition of outstanding achievement in one or more of the arts. Recognition may be for a specific achievement or a series of accomplishments over time.

  • Nominees must have gained national or international acceptance or recognition of outstanding specific achievement and/or a series of accomplishments over time in one or more of the arts.
  • Nominees may hold amateur or professional status.
  • Nominees may be considered for an award in the year immediately following the year in which the specific achievement occurred or in recognition of a series of accomplishments over time.
  • Nominees are only eligible to receive a Mayor’s Recognition Award in this category once for the same fine or performing art.
  • "Arts", for the purpose of this award, includes literary, visual, performing, film, video and architectural arts.
Distinguished Voluntary Service

The Distinguished Voluntary Service award recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact and enhanced the quality of life and/or implemented a significant positive change in Red Deer.

  • Nominees must have made a significant impact and enhanced the quality of life and/or implemented a significant positive change in Red Deer.
  • Nominees will be individuals.
  • Volunteer work shall be beyond the normal scope of their professional duties.
Mayor's Special Award

The Mayor’s Special Award is the highest possible recognition from The City of Red Deer.

Nominees will be individuals, groups or teams who have demonstrated any of the following:

  • Humanitarianism; and/or
  • Exceptional achievement; and/or
  • An act of heroism or bravery. Posthumous nominations are allowed in this category only.

Volunteer work shall be beyond the normal scope of their professional duties.

The Mayor's Special Award may not necessarily be presented each year. Where special circumstances warrant, more than one award may be presented in a given year.

The Mayor makes the selection of the Mayor’s Special Award recipient(s) from the nominations received.

Community Builder Award

The Community Builder award recognizes outstanding individuals or groups who have had a strong impact on our community.

Nominees must demonstrate:

  • Special or unique qualities that highlight how the person/group has made a difference in the community; and
  • Leadership, dedication, innovation and creativity; and
  • Long term benefits or impact to the community.