Mayor's Achievement Award

Peer Overdose Responders

Organization category

We’ve reckoned with an unprecedented health crisis from contaminated drugs, which was declared an emergency on April 14, 2016, and is ongoing to this day. We’ve lost over 9000 British Columbians since the onset of this epidemic. But there are also many lives that have been saved, thanks to the invaluable work of the peers we are honouring with the Awards of Excellence. We want to recognize the front line leaders who directly respond and provide compassionate, life-saving services when our communities are in crisis from contaminated drugs.

The Vancouver Community Action Team (CAT) is a provincially funded 25-organization consortium supporting peers addressing the overdose crisis. CAT peers bring critical expertise to civic planning activities such as safe supply, consumption sites, accessibility, decriminalization, and overdose outreach. CAT peers have also informed a number of City-wide initiatives including access to cannabis, our Accessibility Strategy, and the Mayor’s Overdose Emergency Task Force.

The peer workers at Oppenheimer Park are part of Vancouver’s Peer Overdose Prevention project through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP). The peer workers support people accessing Oppenheimer Park facilities who may be at risk of overdose or overdose death. Through meaningful connection, building relationships, and providing lifesaving overdose response, the peer workers in the SUAP program contribute to making the city a safer place for people who use, and facilitate access to a safe, non-stigmatizing place for people to use the washroom, which is a basic human need that everyone deserves.

Urban Native Youth Association

Youth category

For over 30 years, the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) has been providing a wide range of services, opportunities, and supports for Indigenous youth who have faced adversity from a young age and don’t know where to go for help. With over 100 staff, plus almost the same number of volunteers delivering more than 20 programs, UNYA supports and empowers the young people they serve with compassion, respect, and enthusiasm for their future. They have also established a network of over 200 community partners with whom they work to extend the supports offered to Indigenous youth.

With programs ranging from arts and culture activities, prevention and intervention services, health and wellness resources including a Native Youth Health and Wellness Centre, to employment preparation services, UNYA works within its limited funding framework to offer important opportunities and amplify the voices of Indigenous youth in our city.

By reaching youth where they are and providing a holistic and supportive framework within the context of two-eyed seeing (a holistic and integrated approach that incorporates the strength of knowledge and ways of knowing from both Indigenous and Western ways), UNYA is invaluable in Vancouver.

Dr. Christy Sutherland

Individual category

Dr. Christy Sutherland is a family practice physician, addiction expert, and a innovator of new therapies to confront the opioid crisis. As a clinical assistant professor at UBC and medical director for the PHS Community Services Society in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Dr. Sutherland leads a team providing health care for people who struggle with addictions to drugs and alcohol, experience severe mental health issues, and those with chronic illness such as Hepatitis C, HIV, and diabetes. She was one of the first in North America to offer an injectable opioid-substitution program outside of research that has seen very positive results.

Injections of hydromorphone, self-administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of a nurse, offer those addicted to drugs a clean alternative to street drugs that may contain deadly fentanyl or carfentanil. Over the past three years, the program has expanded to serve hundreds of clients and has been instrumental in helping people get out of the cycle of poverty, crime, and unsafe activities that often accompany drug use. Dr. Sutherland is working with the BC Centre on Substance Use to develop Canadian clinical guidelines; Alberta and Ontario have already followed her lead.

In addition, Dr. Sutherland has recently been the first to introduce a tablet distribution program, also provided under clinical supervision, that offers an alternative when hydromorphone, methadone, and suboxone aren’t effective. Her committed efforts to harm reduction within the context of addiction, and genuine concern for the safety and quality of life of her patients have earned multiple awards and accolades; most importantly, she is saving lives and improving health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable citizens of Vancouver.

PHS Community Services Society

Organization category

Founded in 1991 as the Portland Hotel Society, PHS Community Services was started by people who were moved to action by the suffering, poverty, and discrimination they saw in the Downtown Eastside, particularly with regard to the thousands of active drug users living in poverty and in desperate need of basic human supports. Since its beginnings in The Portland Hotel, PHS has become an important support for the community providing housing, advocacy, and services for those who are marginalized and poorly served in the community, often due to drug use, mental health issues, and complex medical needs. 

PHS is well known for providing shelters and social housing, and are leaders in shifting government social housing policies. As pioneers of the harm reduction model of care for drug use, and in an effort to stem the tide of the HIV epidemic in the 1990s, PHS took the lead in establishing North America’s first legally sanctioned supervised injection site.   

By meeting people where they are and listening to their needs and interests to develop understanding, PHS is able to respond quickly to fill the necessary gaps. That is how many of their essential programs and services, including the Drug Users Resource Centre, Hastings Urban Farm, Inter Urban Art Gallery, and PHS Primary Care Clinic, materialized.

Finding ways to partner with business, government, and other community agencies, PHS has established a wide-reaching and effective network to support the people they serve. As a leader in social inclusion, human rights advocacy, and social justice, PHS Community Services is unequaled in the impacts it has had in Vancouver and serves as a model of innovation and progress throughout the world.

Marpole Students for Modular Housing, youth category

When members of the Marpole community expressed concern about a plan to build modular housing for homeless people in the area, a group of high school students from Sir Winston Churchill Secondary researched the issue and started their own grassroots effort to show their support for the initiative. The Marpole Students for Modular Housing believe that by having tough conversations to address concerns, and discussing issues related to homelessness, that community fears about the new project can be resolved.

Recognizing that diversity brings strength to the city, the students made a cogent case for welcoming new members to the community who need housing, many of whom were already relying on a nearby church soup kitchen for meals. By encouraging community dialogue, engaging in public education efforts, and conducting rallies to demonstrate their support for the housing project, the Marpole Students for Modular Housing has been a valuable voice for inclusivity and diversity in Vancouver.

Vanessa Richards, individual category

Vanessa Richards, born in Vancouver, is an artist and community engagement facilitator. Her work focuses on creativity and participatory culture as central to civic and personal well-being. It explores the question, “What can life become when we turn more often toward each other than away from each other?”

She is the founder and song leader for the Woodward’s Community Singers, a drop-in, no-cost, low-barrier choir, and director of Creative Together, a song based facilitation process. She volunteered for 7 years on the City of Vancouver Black History Month Citizen’s Advisory and more recently the Hogan’s Alley Working Group and has been a Big Sister. In May she began working with 312 Main, Vancouver’s new centre for Social and Economic Innovation as the Director of Community Engagement.

The Overdose Prevention Society, organization category

Since the fall of 2016, the volunteers of the Overdose Prevention Society have aimed to reduce the number of opioid related deaths in Vancouver by providing a safe space for drug users, and providing assistance to clients in the event of an overdose. 

That simple but incredibly important goal remains and since then, the Overdose Prevention Society (OPS) has provided a harm reduction and overdose prevention site in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver that saw over 105,000 visits and recorded reversing 239 overdoses in its first year of operations thanks to its volunteers and peer-based services. 

Soon after it began with a few tables under a tent with a supply of naloxone and clean needles, OPS started receiving support from the provincial government. That enabled the continuation of its work which inspired the creation of almost 20 other sites throughout the province that have collectively reversed hundreds of overdoses.

OPS is now housed in a building on East Hastings Street, and remains unique in that it sits right next to an alley which offers privacy to clients and it provides a space for clients. 

Jesse Costucci-Phillips, individual youth category

Jesse, a former foster child with Vancouver Aboriginal Children and Family Services, confronted her hurdles head on and turned her life around entirely. This strong young woman is a motivational speaker and outdoor enthusiast offering inspirational talks at the TEDxKids Youth Conference, National Youth Conferences, and mentors at-risk youth. Her resume includes guest speeches for Britannia Support Society, Rotary Club, FEAT Canada, “Indspire”, and the Big Sisters Luminary Soiree event.

As a gifted actress, Jesse worked with the IMAGI'nation collective as the lead actress in Beneath the Surface, a production about mental health and suicide awareness. She then became an ambassador and workshop director with the society, running suicide prevention workshops with youth.

She also became a youth ambassador for the Vancouver Marathon Society, having run four full marathons and seven half-marathons herself. Her passion for helping others continues with her current enrolment in the Native Indian Teacher Education Program at UBC, making a difference for the next generation.

Maxine Davis, individual category

Since 1998, Maxine has been the executive director of the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, and has taken the lead on the foundation’s outstanding commitment to compassionate HIV care. She works passionately to develop progressive approaches for improving both the health and social conditions of those living with the conditions.

Maxine takes a particular interest in the correlation of discrimination and mistreatment due to sexual orientation, gender identity, mental illness, addictions, homelessness, and poverty. Maxine oversaw the establishment of the original temporary Dr. Peter Centre and its transition to a modern facility in 2003, resulting in the day health program and 24-hour specialized nursing care facility expanding in size.

Immigrant Services Society of BC, organization category

Since it started providing services in the late 1960s, Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) welcomes newcomers of all stripes and with the most diverse needs. Innovating and retooling as required, ISSofBC aims to effectively respond to the ever-evolving needs of immigrants from different parts of the world.

ISSofBC is the largest multi-ethnic immigrant-serving agency in western Canada, serving over 25,000 clients annually through 15 offices and sites in nine communities in Metro Vancouver and Squamish. For over 45 years, ISSofBC has worked with all levels of government and numerous community partners to carry out its mission: to help immigrants build a future in Canada.

Austin Wang, individual category

Austin Wang is grade 12 student who recently graduated from David Thompson Secondary.

He is passionate about sustainable energy and conducts research at UBC on the conversion of waste into electricity using bacteria. His recent projects won him the top prizes at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the International BioGENEius competition, and the Canada-Wide Science Fair.

Aside from research, Austin is an internationally recognized composer and enjoys playing the piano. He hopes to continue his research work in Princeton this fall. 

Janine Fuller, individual category

Janine Fuller is a businessperson and writer. She is the manager of Little Sister's Book and Art Emporium in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is best known for her role as an anti-censorship activist in the bookstore's ongoing battles with Canada Customs, which culminated in the Supreme Court of Canada case Little Sisters Book and Art Emporium v. Canada (Minister of Justice) in 2000.

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Fuller began advocating for gender equality at a young age, fighting to be allowed to start a girls' soccer team in Grade 6. She was later an employee of the Toronto Women's Bookstore, and was working there when the store was firebombed in 1983. She moved to Vancouver in 1989, taking a job at Little Sister's the following year, and became an active fundraiser and freedom of expression activist as the store was drawn into legal battles when Canada Customs regularly confiscated and impounded its shipments from publishers.

Following a diagnosis with Huntington's disease in the late 2000's, Fuller has also become an activist and speaker on issues relating to the condition.

Tradeworks Training Society, organization category

Tradeworks provides carpentry training to vulnerable individuals living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to help them rebuild their lives and find meaningful employment.  Tradeworks uses carpentry as a vehicle to assist some of Vancouver’s most deserving residents with life and employment skills.

Tradeworks also operates a social enterprise called Tradeworks Custom Products, which employs program graduates. Graduates are given an opportunity to create custom work for clients such as BC Housing, CIBC, BC Technology Industry Association, the City of Vancouver and others.

This important first work experience assists individuals in building their skills and is often the first step in their career journey.

Alex Pang, individual youth category

Alex Pang has a passion for sports, particularly figure skating and basketball. The 18-year-old dual-sport athlete has medalled at both the Summer and Winter Special Olympics Games. He has won three gold medals, one for basketball, and two for figure skating.

Alex is competing as a member of the BC GRRRizzlies basketball team at the 2015 Special Olympic Summer Games. He will be strapping on his skates to compete in the 2016 Special Olympic Winter Games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

Alex is also an active member of the Special Olympics BC Athlete Leadership and Youth Activation Council. He lives in East Vancouver where he is a student at Churchill Secondary School.

The Mayor’s Achievement Award recognizes Alex’s athletic excellence and commitment to leadership.

Dr. William “Bill” McMichael, individual category

Dr. William McMichael is the driving force behind the 2015 Vancouver-Yokohama Golden Jubilee. As chair and project manager of the 50th anniversary celebration of this dynamic “sister-city” relationship, he has helped create an exciting program of events that promote intercultural awareness

As an active volunteer at the local, provincial, and national levels for more than 30 years, Bill has held many leadership positions. His roles have included director of the Canada-Japan Society, founder of Vancouver Mokuyokai Society, chair of the Pacific Community Resources Society, and president of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House board.

Dr. McMichael is a retired senior lecturer with the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia. He continues to focus on bringing marginalized voices to the forefront. The Mayor’s Achievement Award recognizes Bill’s contribution to the success of the 2015 Vancouver-Yokohama Golden Jubilee.

Guangzhou-Vancouver Friendship Society, organization category

Since 1984, Guangzhou-Vancouver Friendship Society has been opening doors and sharing resources between the two sister-cities.

The society’s undertakings have been impressive. For example, in pre-internet 1986, UBC Medical School doctors were linked to Guangzhou’s No 1 Hospital staff via satellite to demonstrate new surgical techniques. For the past 30 years, The Vancouver-Guangzhou Friendship has continued to facilitate the sharing of technical and professional expertise between the two cities.

The Vancouver-Guangzhou Friendship Society has established valuable, enduring relationships between hospitals, universities, sustainability organizations, high schools, businesses, port authorities, and legal associations. As well, it has coordinated sports and cultural exchanges celebrating each city’s uniqueness. And most importantly, the society has strengthened the bonds of friendship and opened new opportunities.

The Mayor's Achievement Award recognizes The Vancouver-Guangzhou Friendship Society for bringing two cities, half-a-world apart, much closer together.

Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School Senior Boys Basketball Team, individual youth category

The Churchill Bulldogs are reigning Provincial Champions in one of the most competitive high school sports in BC. The basketball program at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary had humble beginnings and the journey to this year's championship took years of dedication and discipline. After a hard-fought season, the senior boys delivered a stunning victory in the Provincial finals to emerge as the best team in the province.

The Bulldogs edged Surrey’s Holy Cross Crusaders 67-64 in the tension-filled 4A final to capture the first senior boys’ title in school history. They were led by the 30-point performance of tournament MVP Mindy Minhas and became the first public school from Vancouver, other than four-time winner Kitsilano, to capture the title since the 1961 Magee Lions.

Led by Coach Rick Lopez, and supported by an enthusiastic community of fellow students, teachers and family members, the Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs are outstanding athletes who have demonstrated great sportsmanship as this year's Senior Boys Provincial Championship Team.

Katrina Pacey, individual category

Katrina Pacey practises criminal, prison, mental health and human rights law, and is Litigation Director for Vancouver’s Pivot Legal Society.

Pacey received her law degree and a Master of Arts in Women’s Studies from the University of British Columbia. She has led Pivot’s campaign for sex workers’ rights for over 10 years. Stigmatized and maligned, sex workers from the Downtown East Side (DTES) have experienced unspeakable violence and systemic discrimination for decades.

Pacey spearheaded projects that brought sex worker safety and rights to public attention. Gaining the trust of the sex workers required that she bridge the enormous gulf between her privileged status as a feminist lawyer and DTES sex workers. Her work with Sex Workers United Against Violence led to the Supreme Court of Canada’s precedent-setting ruling supporting the group rights of all marginalized communities.

Pacey's belief in the inherent worth of all people fostered trust and then vital change. A tireless campaigner and advocate for the rights of marginalized people, she has made a tremendous impact on the lives of people not only in Vancouver but across the country.

Khalsa Diwan Society, organization category

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society formed on July 22, 1902 and formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh Gurdwara in Canada at 1866 West 2nd Avenue in Vancouver. The Gurdwara was inaugurated on January 19, 1908. This is believed to the first Sikh Gurdwara in the whole of the American continent. This Gurdwara Sahib served the Greater Vancouver Sikh community until the new Gurdwara Sahib was established on 8000 Ross Street in South Vancouver in 1970.

The Khalsa Diwan Society has played a major role in the social and economic development of British Columbia for over a century. The society has been a pioneer in raising Sikh-related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. The Society played a key role as a voice for justice during the Komagata Maru episode in the early 1900s and has been instrumental in marking the Komagata Maru's 100th Anniversary this year.

The society has always advocated for equal rights and continues to work to build a strong community. The Society provides services to seniors, new immigrants, youth and families, and plays an important role supporting the South Vancouver Community Policing Centre. Every year the society arranges a Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan Procession, one of the largest public celebrations in Vancouver.

The Khalsa Diwan Society continues to build interfaith, intercultural and intergenerational understanding, and is an integral part of Vancouver.