I want to express my gratitude to everyone who was able to participate in the 4th Annual Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards.
I also want to extend my appreciation to those who dedicated their time to nominate individuals and to those who graciously accepted the nominations.
This year, we were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of nominations, with almost 200 submissions!
This truly reflects the exceptional qualities of our residents and businesses in Ward 1.
Here are all the 2023 winners:
New Business Award
The recipient of this award has been in business for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years. This award recognizes outstanding achievement as a new business in some or all of the following: Research & Development, Company Growth, Products & Services, Market Development, Sales & Marketing, Community Service.
Winner: Carlo’s Bakery
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
This award recognizes the endeavors of an exceptional individual or company who creates the products and services that keep our local economies moving forward.
Winner: Brad Baumgarten
Best Real Estate Agent
This award recognizes a real estate professional who goes above and beyond for their clients and makes important contributions to the community.
Winner: Jim Chu
Excellence in Customer Service Award
This award recognizes a business for their outstanding dedication, loyalty and achievement to exceptional service standards in our community that consistently exceed customer or guest expectations.
Winner: Zest For Living
Automotive Services Excellence Award
This award honours an Automotive Services establishment with outstanding service, provided to Ward 1 residents with consistent high standards and integrity.
Winner: Xtreme Tire
Best Patio Dining Experience Award
The best patio dining experience award is presented to a restaurant that has created a patio that provides the most enjoyable overall guest experience, setting high standards for food quality, while providing guests with excellent customer service that enhances the dining experience.
This local favourite provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy a delicious meal and a great atmosphere.
Winner: The Crooked Cue
Best Pizza Shop Award
Recognizing a local pizza shop – takeout or delivery that provides the best tasting pizza and customer experience.
Winner: Pizza e Dolci
Best Coffee Shop Award
This award recognizes a coffee shop in Ward 1 that has a loyal following that provides great quality coffee, tea and snacks. It also creates a clean memorable atmosphere that keeps customers coming back for more.
Winner: Back Road Coffee Roasters
Restaurant of the Year Award
This award is presented to a restaurant that provides the most enjoyable overall guest experience, setting high standards for food quality, offers a well-priced meal, while providing guests with excellent customer service that enhances the dining experience. This local favourite may also provide an opportunity to relax and enjoy a delicious meal in a great atmosphere.
Winner: Ice N Spice
Artist of The Year Award – Music Performance
The Ward 1 Artist of the Year – Music Performance award recognizes the musician or musical group that has consistently delivered exceptional live performances, captivating audiences with their talent, stage presence, and artistic expression throughout the year.
Winner: Heather Christine
The Ward 1 Artist of the Year – Visual Artist award recognizes outstanding accomplishments and contributions within the field of visual arts over the past year. This category celebrates artists whose exceptional creativity, skill, and innovation have made an impact on the art scene locally and inspired audiences through their visual creations.
Whether helping to protect our climate, reduce waste, support local food or enhance our natural spaces, this individual is recognized as an environmental leader who has made significant contributions to improving our environment.
Our city is built by those who give their time and expertise selflessly and expect nothing in return. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in volunteering to make Ward 1 a better place to live, work, and play.
Ward 1 would like to honour with great respect and admiration, an Individual for their lifetime of support, promotion and vision for our community.