An artist whose chalk murals brightened spirits in her neighbourhood and quilters who donated the fruits of their labour to brighten walls at organizations like the Crossroads Hospice Society are among the winners of Port Moody’s annual civic awards.
The prizes are presented to deserving people, organizations and businesses that have made significant contributions to the community in six categories:
- Arts
- Accessibility
- Climate action
- Environment
- Heritage
- Sport
Ladawne Shelstad is one of two winners recognized for their efforts in the arts.
Her project to decorate garage doors in her Klahanie neighbourhood with giant, colourful chalk murals helped lift spirits and expressed gratitude to frontline workers during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also sold chalk and art supply kits with proceeds going to SHARE Family and Community Services.
The Blue Mountain Quilters’ Guild also earned recognition for the work of its 142 members to keep crafting colourful and intricately designed blankets, placemats, table runners and wall hangings that are then donated to local and regional organizations. About 80 members of the group, which regularly met in the parking lot of a movie theatre complex when public health restrictions banned large indoor gatherings, reside in Port Moody.
The Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership is the winner of the accessibility award for its initiatives that included several workshops to address increased racism experienced by residents who identify at Black, Indigenous or People of Colour (BIPOC). As well, it helped integrate immigrants and newcomers into the workforce and helped promote access to community services and social inclusion for refugees and immigrants.
Tru Earth Environmental Products’ laundry sheets and other eco-friendly household products that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions have earned the company the city’s climate action award. The company that’s located on St. Johns Street also partnered with the Salish Sea Research and Education Society to create a curriculum that teaches young people about the importance of oceans, the impact of pollution and connections to wastewater and watersheds.
Gayle and Robert Carter are winners of the environment award for their ongoing stewardship of Bert Flinn Park, including removing invasive plant species like English Ivy.
Jennifer and John Duncan’s work to restore the Barnum Residence at 2625 St. George St. that was built in 1903–04 by lumber mill worker William Ernest Barnum has been recognized with the heritage award.
Finally, football coach Alan Jones wins the sports award. He started football programs at Port Moody Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in the 1970s, culminating with a provincial senior championship in 1991. He also helped encourage female participation in the sport with programs like his Football for Females night school that he ran at PMSS in the mid-1970s.
