Awards of Excellence

Winner:

Prince George, Jumpstart Multi Sport Court

Located in Carrie Jane Gray Park, the Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court is the largest fully accessible multi-sport court of its kind and features inclusive design elements that accommodate physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. A collaborative project with the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity, the court supports casual and organized play across sports like basketball, tennis, and pickleball, while incorporating environmentally friendly features such as LED lighting for energy efficiency. The court serves as a vibrant, multi-generational community hub, promoting active living and social connection for all.

Winner:

The Township of Esquimalt, Gorge Pavilion Park

Gorge Pavilion Park exemplifies sustainable design, community connection, and cultural reflection. Located in Gorge Park, the facility commemorates the area’s historic Japanese teahouse while offering inclusive indoor and outdoor spaces that promote wellness, social gathering, and environmental stewardship. With its locally sourced materials, energy-efficient features including 126 solar panels, and a strong commitment to accessibility, the Pavilion stands as a model for innovation and community-centered design in BC.

Winner:

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, sθәqәlxenәm ts’exwts’áxwi7 Rainbow Park

sθәqәlxenәm ts’exwts’áxwi7 Rainbow Park is an innovative urban greenspace that transformed a former parking lot in downtown Vancouver into a vibrant, inclusive community hub. The park features barrier-free entrances, wide level paths, accessible washrooms, and braille signage, creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. Over half the park is planted with native species of cultural, medicinal, and ecological significance, while sustainable design elements, including pocket wetlands and a splashpad water reuse system, highlight the park’s environmental stewardship. Celebrated as a model of universal design and community revitalization, sθәqәlxenәm ts’exwts’áxwi7 Rainbow Park enhances both the physical and social well-being of Vancouverites and visitors alike.

Winner:

District of West Vancouver, Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Program

The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities (WIC) Program supports newcomers in navigating barriers to integration and belonging. Designed to address language challenges, cultural differences, social isolation, and access to community resources, WIC promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion through a wide range of accessible programs. These include English classes, peer learning supports, social lounges, cultural experiences like museum tours, and low-cost recreation opportunities such as skating and theatre. By fostering social connections and improving both physical and mental well-being, the program serves as a model for inclusive community programming across British Columbia.

Winner:

Village of Burns Lake, A Century Together: Celebrating 100 Years

As the largest event ever hosted in the Burns Lake community, “A Century Together: Celebrating 100 Years” brought together more than 1,200 attendees, including representatives from six First Nations, to honour the past and look toward a shared future. Held over four days the event featured Indigenous performances and visual arts a triathlon, raft races, and a community parade with CN’s Little Obie train. Accessibility was a key focus, with transportation provided and venues chosen to accommodate seniors and people with disabilities. The event not only strengthened community bonds but also left a lasting legacy through updates to Spirit Square and the creation of a local music society, setting a strong example of community celebration, reconciliation, and inclusion.

Winner:

Nicky Brown, Westshore Parks and Recreation Society

With 18 years of experience in the Greater Victoria region, Nicky is known for her commitment to gender-inclusive sports, physical literacy education, and creating equitable access to recreation for marginalized youth. A quiet yet powerful leader, she mentors staff, volunteers, and participants alike, and has successfully developed key partnerships that have helped her programs thrive. Nicky’s visionary leadership and lasting impact exemplify the power of recreation to foster connection, well-being, and community resilience.

Winner:

Panorama Recreation, Jumpstart Multisport Court

The Jumpstart Multi Sport Court in North Saanich was recognized for its innovative, inclusive design that removes barriers to physical activity for people of all ages and abilities. Featuring spaces for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, four square, and hopscotch, the court includes accessible seating, adjustable nets, and wide gates for ease of access. The facility has expanded Panorama Recreation’s ability to offer inclusive programming such as sensory-friendly playtimes, family pickleball, and partnerships with the Canucks Autism Network and Island Health. Conveniently located near ḰELSET Elementary School, the court also serves as a recreational space for students during the school day. This project stands out as an example of community-focused, accessible recreation infrastructure.

Winner:

City of Richmond, Minoru Centre for Active Living

Minoru Centre for Active Living is a state-of-the-art facility designed to promote wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity. Replacing three aging buildings, the Centre now serves as a hub for active living and community connection, with programming and physical spaces tailored especially to seniors and culturally diverse populations. With features such as accessible transfer pool edges, high-contrast wayfinding signage, sloped walkways, and BC’s first public cold plunge pool, the facility exemplifies universal design. Programs are offered in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, with seniors encouraged to engage through volunteer opportunities like meal delivery, hosting, and peer support. The Centre is a model for how thoughtful facility design and programming can foster well-being, reduce isolation, and meet the evolving needs of a vibrant, multi-generational community.

Winner:

City of Surrey, Edgewood Park
City of New Westminster Sixth Street Play Area

Edgewood Park in Surrey’s Grandview Heights neighbourhood exemplifies innovative, accessible design that blends natural elements with community needs. Featuring an accessible playground with unique play circuits built around a natural mound, multi-sport courts, and a pollinator meadow supporting Surrey’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, the park invites all ages and abilities to connect with nature while fostering environmental stewardship and community wellness.

The City of New Westminster’s Sixth Street Play Area promotes community health, social connection, and climate resilience. This accessible urban park offers diverse play opportunities supporting children’s cognitive, physical, and emotional development, while featuring native trees, recycled materials, and permeable surfaces to enhance environmental sustainability and urban canopy cover.

Winner:

Capital Regional District Regional Parks, Exploring Indigenous Persectives Program City of Kamloops, Community Wellness Program

The Exploring Indigenous Perspectives Program offers park visitors of all ages and abilities a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural history and sustainable stewardship practices of First Peoples. Offered year-round across multiple parks, the program uses storytelling and hands-on activities to foster cultural safety, environmental awareness, and inclusivity, serving as a model for local governments to enhance community well-being through respectful and accessible programming.

The City of Kamloops’ Community Wellness Program supports newcomers to Canada through weekly seasonal multi-sport and recreational opportunities alongside community events that celebrate Canadian culture, sport, and recreation. Designed to promote social inclusion, family integration, and quality physical activity, the program helps participants build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging while encouraging active lifestyles within the community

Winner:

City of Campbell River, CR Live Streets

CR Live Streets activates the Campbell River downtown core by closing the main street to host a series of free, inclusive events featuring music, markets, and art. This initiative fosters community connection and accessibility, attracting thousands of people across all ages and abilities, while building strong partnerships with local organizations and supporting local businesses and tourism.

Winner:

City of Surrey, Clayton Community Centre

Surrey’s Clayton Community Centre stands out as a cutting-edge facility that prioritizes inclusivity and sustainability. Designed to welcome people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, it features universal washrooms, adaptable fitness equipment, and advanced accessibility tools like hearing loops, with plans to achieve Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Certification. The building follows rigorous Passive House standards, slashing energy use and carbon emissions by 98% compared to typical facilities. Beyond fitness, the Centre hosts arts and culture programming, a library, and recreational spaces, all conveniently located near public transit and schools.

Winner:

Abbotsford, Grant Park

Abbotsford’s Grant Park sets a new standard as the city’s first fully accessible, baseball-themed park designed to welcome people of all abilities. Developed in partnership with the community, the park features wheelchair-accessible surfaces, dugouts, washrooms, and playground and picnic areas, all created with inclusion in mind. Using recycled materials and preserving 80% of existing trees, Grant Park also incorporates rain gardens to manage stormwater and support local ecology. This innovative space fosters community connection, promotes outdoor play and life skills, and balances recreation with environmental sustainability.

Winner:

City of Victoria, Get Growing, Victoria!

Get Growing Victoria creatively addresses local food security while promoting community well-being. This program supplies equity-deserving groups with vegetable and herb seedlings grown at the city’s Beacon Hill Park nursery and distributed through partnerships with community organizations. By empowering thousands of households to grow their own fresh, affordable produce, the program encourages safe, outdoor activities that support social interaction and emotional health. Each year, participants collectively harvest an estimated 100,000 pounds of vegetables and herbs, showcasing the program’s significant impact on food access and community wellness.

Winner:

City of New Westminster, Shine Bright New West

Launched during the pandemic, Shine Bright New West is an innovative event designed to foster community connection and hope through a diverse range of activities including immersive light displays, outdoor concerts, cultural celebrations, and themed shopping events that engaged local merchants. The event has become an annual holiday tradition, celebrated for its inclusivity and ability to unite the community while serving as a model for other municipalities in British Columbia. The program’s creative approach to community engagement and social well-being highlights the City of New Westminster’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through cultural celebration and connectivity.

Winner:

Alan Sakai

Alan Sakai, President of the Steveston Community Society in Richmond, was honored with the BC Recreation and Parks Association’s 2022 Community Leadership Excellence Award. A former Olympic athlete, educator, and sport administrator, Alan has played a vital role in strengthening his community through diverse leadership positions. His efforts have enriched the lives of seniors as a Director at Maple Residences, mentored youth as past President of the Steveston Judo Club, and supported local farmers and artisans as Chairperson of the Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market. Alan has also been a driving force behind the design of a new Steveston Community Centre and the successful planning of the Steveston Salmon Festival. Celebrated for his unwavering dedication and ability to build meaningful partnerships, Alan’s leadership continues to foster a healthier, more vibrant community in Steveston and the broader Richmond area.

Winner:

ViaSport BC

Nominated for this award by BCRPA, ViaSport BC has collaborated with BCRPA over time and specifically these past years of pandemic leadership on behalf of community-based athletes of all ages who play in and on our local government spaces. ViaSport and BCRPA have developed a strong working partnership, delivered shared statements, hosted provincial-wide online meetings, and provided a comprehensive approach to communications. Together they created a unified approach to ensure a reliable and current source of information for British Columbians. This patience and planning helped ensure that both sports, and the recreation and parks sector were continuously updated in a time when provincial health regulations were changing very quickly for the sector.

Winner:

City of Surrey, North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex

North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex is a vibrant and inclusive hub serving the city’s rapidly growing and diverse North Surrey community. The facility features three ice sheets to support hockey, figure skating, and sledge hockey, along with multipurpose fitness spaces, a gym, yoga and spin rooms, and areas adaptable for events like lacrosse games, trade shows, and cultural activities. Designed with accessibility at its core, the complex earned a Gold Certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC), and integrates Indigenous public art to reflect local culture and reconciliation. The facility emphasizes sustainable transportation, with strong transit connections and bike-friendly infrastructure. Recognized for its innovation, inclusivity, and contribution to community wellness, the North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex stands as a model for modern, community-centered recreation design.

Winner:

City of Surrey, Unwin Park and Jumpstart Playground

Designed in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Surrey’s Unwin Park and Jumpstart playground are designed to welcome children of all abilities by incorporating physical, sensory, and cognitive accessibility features. Unwin Park fosters imaginative, collaborative play with features like the We-Go-Round™ (a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round), transfer-friendly slides, and ramps with playful nooks and platforms. The park also provides shaded areas to ensure comfort for families during play. Strong community engagement throughout the design and development process helped create a space that is now a destination playground for the entire city. By setting new standards in inclusive play and community collaboration, Unwin Park stands as a model for parks that promote well-being, creativity, and belonging for all children.

Winner:

District of West Vancouver, Feed the Need

West Vancouver’s Feed the Need initiative is a volunteer-driven program providing free, nutritious meals to vulnerable seniors. Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program identified and supported over 366 low-income seniors through wellness calls and weekly meal deliveries. Operated out of the Seniors’ Activity Centre, Feed the Need has delivered more than 26,000 meals and raised over $400,000 to ensure continued service. The program stands as an example of community care, addressing food security while fostering physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Winner:

Richmond Food Security Society

The Richmond Food Security Society (RFSS) has helped build a healthier, more connected community through food security education and engagement. Operating five core programs including community gardens, a seed library, youth leadership, and children’s gardening education, RFSS empowered thousands of Richmond residents during the pandemic. Through this initiative, over 4,000 pounds of food were repurposed into ready-made meals and distributed to community members, addressing the food insecurity caused by the pandemic. This inclusive, volunteer-supported initiative has made lasting impacts on local wellness, resilience, and food literacy.

Winner:

City of Richmond, Edwardian Cottage

The City of Richmond rehabilitated the Edwardian Cottage, a historic 1920s building in Terra Nova, creating an environmentally sustainable and accessible home for the Terra Nova Nature School. Through thoughtful restoration and community engagement, the City transformed the heritage site into a unique early childhood education facility that fosters ecological literacy and wellness, while preserving local history and supporting diverse community needs.

Winner:

Township of Langley, Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre

The Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre brings together an arena, community spaces, aquatics waterpark, and playground into one inclusive, accessible, and sustainable facility. Designed to serve residents of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds, the centre features reclaimed materials, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally conscious technologies. By blending community revitalization with environmental stewardship and universal accessibility, the Township of Langley has created a vital hub that enhances the social and physical well-being of its growing population.

Winner:

District of Peachland, Ray Kandola Heritage Pier

The Ray Kandola Heritage Pier is a wheelchair-accessible, multi-use pier along Okanagan Lake. Developed in collaboration with local community groups, the pier enhances access to Peachland’s steep public waterfront, connecting residents and visitors to nature, recreation, and community life. Situated beside Heritage Park, the pier has become a vibrant hub for walking, fishing, socializing, and cultural events, while also supporting environmental restoration through native shoreline plantings. With accessibility and tourism at its core, the project embodies inclusive design and offers memorable lakeside experiences for all.

Winner:

City of Nelson, Nelson and District Youth Centre Program

This dynamic social enterprise empowers children, youth, and families through accessible, low-barrier programming that blends recreation, education, and social connection in a safe and inclusive space. Featuring facilities such as an indoor all-wheels park, bouldering cove, art and music rooms, and a cutting-edge Makerspace, the Centre supports physical literacy and personal development. With programs ranging from digital arts and robotics to cooking, literacy, and affordable childcare, Nelson has created a responsive, forward-thinking model that strengthens community well-being and inspires youth success.

Winner:

City of Surrey, Sensory Friendly Spaces

Developed in partnership with the Canucks Autism Network, the Sensory Friendly Spaces program reflects Surrey’s commitment to inclusion by creating calm, supportive environments at events and facilities for individuals with autism and sensory processing needs. With sensory-friendly kits available at recreation centres and integration of staff training, the initiative ensures accessibility is both practical and sustainable. By also extending the program to emergency services through collaboration with the Surrey Fire Department, the City has set a leading example in building inclusive, responsive public spaces that foster safety, comfort, and belonging for all.

Winner:

City of Burnaby, Warming Centre Team

This dedicated team supports three warming centres operated by Burnaby’s Parks Department, providing crucial shelter and services to the city’s most vulnerable populations during the winter months. Addressing complex social and health challenges such as mental health, addiction, homelessness, and hunger, the team not only offers a safe place to stay but also connects visitors with essential community resources. In 2019, the centres served over 2,500 individuals, demonstrating Burnaby’s compassionate, collaborative, and innovative approach to community health and well-being.