Leaders in heritage, community and literature shine at City awards ceremony
Last night, the City of Vancouver celebrated the individuals, organizations, and creative voices whose contributions have strengthened Vancouver’s communities, elevated its literary landscape and preserved the city’s unique history.
Their contributions were recognized through three civic honours — the Vancouver Awards of Excellence, the Heritage Awards, and the City of Vancouver Book Award — presented together for the first time at a unified ceremony at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre.
“Vancouver’s strength lies in the people who make this city vibrant, inclusive and inspiring. The recipients we celebrated tonight remind us that progress isn’t just about building for the future; it’s also about honouring our past and uplifting the voices that shape our shared story,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “On behalf of Council, I want to congratulate all of this year’s award winners and thank them for helping make Vancouver an extraordinary place to call home.”
The Awards of Excellence recognized outstanding civic achievements made by individuals (adults and youth/children), organizations and businesses that make Vancouver a more vibrant city. Awards were presented across six new categories to 18 recipients, each reflecting the City’s commitment to equity, inclusion and innovation. In addition, the Mayor’s Achievement Award was presented to three recipients recognizing long-term dedication to public engagement and volunteering in the city. View the complete list of Vancouver Awards of Excellence recipients.
Presented alongside the Awards of Excellence, the Heritage Awards recognized individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a deep commitment to preserving Vancouver’s history and cultural legacy. This year, seven awards were presented in three categories: Living Heritage, Heritage Conservation and Education and Awareness. Explore the complete list of Heritage Award winners.
The evening also featured the presentation of the City of Vancouver Book Award, which celebrates excellence in literature and storytelling. It was announced in September that the Squamish Nation won for their book Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw: We Come From This Land. Learn more about the City of Vancouver Book Award.
The City of Vancouver extends congratulations to all award recipients and nominees whose dedication and impact continue to inspire civic pride and community spirit across Vancouver. Residents are encouraged to explore this year’s award-winning stories to see how local efforts continue to strengthen our city.