Councils Excellence Awards

Nominations now open for 2027 Council's Excellence Awards

Council's Excellence Awards acknowledge community champions, young achievers, and real-life heroes dedicated to making a positive impact in the region.  

Mayor and Councillors choose eligible award recipients in each of the four categories, based on the recommendations of an advisory panel. Recipients and their nominator are invited to an awards ceremony held in the New Year.  

Help recognize and thank outstanding people and groups in your community and nominate a deserving individual for a 2027 Council's Excellence Award. 

Nomination Form

Nominate a deserving candidate for one of four award categories

Important changes to this year's awards program include refining the award categories to better reflect the diverse contributions of residents, organizations, businesses, and community leaders. The updated awards categories are as follows:  

Community Impact

Recognizes outstanding contributions that improve quality of life, community well-being, inclusion, safety, health, recreation, arts, culture, or social services. 

Business and Innovation Award 

Recognizes individuals, businesses, organizations, or initiatives that contribute to economic growth, workforce development, entrepreneurship, or innovation.  

Leadership and Service Excellence Award 

Recognizes exceptional leadership, collaboration, accountability, and contributions that strengthen community governance and organizational effectiveness. 

Indigenous Advocate Award  

Recognizes individuals, organizations, or initiatives that foster meaningful partnerships, collaboration, and relationships between governments, Indigenous Nations, and community stakeholders. 

Youth Award 

Recognizes a youth or group (ages 12-18 at the time of nomination) for exceptional leadership, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and community involvement that benefit the region. 

Want help?

Need some assistance to fill out a nomination form? 

Please call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663. 

Q&A

  • Any nominee must have lived in Wood Buffalo for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.  

  • Candidates for the Youth award must be between 12-18 years old at the time of nomination. The other awards are open to nominees of all ages.  

  • A person may only be nominated for one award category per year. 

  • Nominees cannot currently hold elected office.  

  • Previous award winners cannot be nominated for an award they have already received in the past five years.   

  • RMWB employees can be nominated, but not for activities related to their job responsibilities. 

  • Members of the Council’s Excellence Award selection panel are not eligible.  

  • Self-nominations or nominations for someone who has passed away will not be accepted. 

(For all eligibility requirements, review the Citizen Recognition Program Policy)

Yes, the nominee must be aware of their nomination and give their consent. 

A selection panel will review and evaluate the nominations based on the respective award criteria. The nominee in each award category with the highest score will be recommended to Council, which will review the recommendations and finalize the recipients. Recipients will be announced at a Council meeting, and a ceremony will be held in the New Year to celebrate the recipients.  

Pulse is available to help you complete the nomination form. Please contact Pulse by calling 780-743-700 or 1-800-973-9663. 

2025 Award Recipients

For more than 30 years, Michael has shown exceptional dedication to the Fort McMurray community through ongoing volunteerism, advocacy and leadership, contributing thousands of hours to bring people together and strengthen the region. He has played a key role in organizing major events and fundraisers that have become community traditions and raise critical funds that support vulnerable populations.  Michael’s advocacy, including his support for the local 2SLGBTQIA+community and his work highlighting the history of Moccasin Flats, has fostered inclusion, sparked important conversations and deepened community understanding.

Sandy MacDonald and his canine companion Sam Langford have made a remarkable impact on the Fort McMurray community through generosity, compassion and hands-on service. Through Cause 4 Paws and other efforts, he has raised more than $200,000 for the local SPCA. He is always there to support those in need and provided consistent, practical help across the community. His personal connections, visiting day homes with Sam, spending time with families and sharing moments of joy have created lasting impressions and strengthened community bonds.

Elder Alice Martin has dedicated her life to advancing Indigenous rights, culture and well-being, earning deep respect through her leadership and lifelong service across the region. Her contributions to initiatives such as the Reconciliation Advisory Circle, Council Chambers Artwork and the Residential School Survivors Commemoration Task Force reflect her commitment to truth, healing and reconciliation. She continues to be a strong and steady presence, using her voice and teachings to foster understanding, strengthen relationships and guide meaningful dialogue. Through her compassion and wisdom, Elder Martin is helping to shape a more respectful and inclusive community.

Nirva Mehta demonstrates outstanding youth leadership by amplifying young voices and strengthening community connections, particularly through her work with the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Youth and national advocacy initiatives. She supports the well-being and development of others as a mentor, promotes equitable access to sports, and helps elevate the perspectives of northern youth on a broader stage. Through her entrepreneurial efforts and continued commitment to service, Nirva is making a meaningful impact while inspiring the next generation of leaders

Contact Us

PULSE
Submit a request

Phone: 780-743-7000
Toll free: 1-800-973-9663

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