Vancouver, BC (April 24, 2024)

Premier David Eby and Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, today named the recipients of the 21st annual Community Award. The program, presented by BC Achievement – an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province – recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more resilient communities

“Community Award recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions in making life better through innovation, dedication, and volunteerism,” said Premier David Eby. “From young leaders to experienced organizers, from entrepreneurs to educators, this year’s honorees show us the benefits of working together to build a happier, healthier and stronger British Columbia. Their good works are an inspiration to us all.”

“In this year’s award program, we’re especially honoured to recognize emerging leaders for the first time, alongside our esteemed recipients,” remarked Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “All these exceptional individuals embody the essence of leadership, dedication, and selflessness, serving as beacons of inspiration. Communities thrive when individuals generously share their talents, passion, and time in service to others, and these awardees exemplify the transformative impact of such contributions,” he added.

The Community Award recipients are selected by an independent jury panel, whose 2024 members include Mayor Suzan Hewat of Kaslo, Mayor Sarrah Storey of Fraser Lake, and past recipients Julie Fowler of Penticton, Herman Ho, MB, AdeC of Vancouver, and Sqwulutsultun William Yoachim of Nanaimo.

This year’s recipients include:

Troy MacBeth Abromaitis, Richmond
Prof. Nemkumar Banthia, Vancouver
Devon Black, Victoria
Earl Blacklock, Parksville
Robin Dawes, Williams Lake
Jane Devji, Delta
Doreen & Wayne Hewitt, Salt Spring Island
Christopher Lee, Vancouver
Siân Lewis, Kamloops
K. Brian McConaghy, Delta
Connally McDougall, Vancouver
Marcus Mosely, North Vancouver
Coralie Nairn, Vernon
Alison O’Toole, Prince Rupert
Jazz Pabla, West Kelowna
Len Pierre, Surrey
Rishika Selvakumar, Richmond
Wendy Toyer, Richmond
Mary Trentadue, New Westminster
Janna Wale, Gitanmaax/Hazelton

Doreen and Wayne Hewitt have championed water protection on Salt Spring Island for over thirty years. Recognizing the watershed’s vulnerability, they forged partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Salmon Enhancement Society, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of the Environment, and Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection. In 1993, they founded the Cusheon Lake Stewardship Group. Their joint efforts have extended to establishing the Beddis and Cusheon Area Residents’ Association, fostering a broader community engagement from the original Beddis Area Residents’ Association.

Wayne’s leadership roles in the Salt Spring Island Water Preservation Society and Doreen’s tenure as a Special Commissioner on the Beddis Water Service Commission exemplify their commitment. Doreen held leadership roles in 15 community groups, while Wayne led the development of the “Watershed Management Plan for Cusheon Lake,” completed in 2007. For over three decades, the Hewitt’s have vigilantly monitored governmental initiatives, zoning applications, and potential threats to the island’s watershed. Their role as educators and advocates has helped to safeguard Salt Spring Island’s drinking water sources amidst increasing development pressures and climate change challenges.