FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George and Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) are launching a new award to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the community.
The Medal of Excellence and Good Citizenship is available to residents who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to improving the quality of life in Prince George through volunteerism, philanthropy, professional contributions, acts of courage and generosity, or excellence in a particular field and shown leadership that has inspired others and created a lasting, positive change.
“There are so many people in our community that contribute to making Prince George a better place to live and visit,” said Mayor Simon Yu, “this award is an excellent opportunity to recognize the hard work that these folks do every day. The City is proud to offer the Medal of Excellence and Good Citizenship to those who are innovators, leaders, and outstanding local citizens and we are grateful to the Prince George Community Foundation for their support in making this possible.”
Each recipient will be awarded a medal and matching lapel pin. The City will also provide a donation of $1,000 per recipient to the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society for a portion of the garden, along with a commemorative plaque for that location. A recognition event will celebrate the recipients at a special Council meeting with a reception to follow.
“Recognizing individuals who give their time and leadership to strengthen our community is a powerful way to celebrate what makes Prince George so special”, said Rae-Ann Noonan, Executive Director of the Prince George Community Foundation. “PGCF is pleased to support the City’s Medal of Excellence and Good Citizenship by helping highlight the positive impact local residents have in our community.”
PGCF will lead the adjudication committee to review nominations and select recipients. Final selections will be submitted to the City for Council approval and public recognition. Nomination forms are available on the PGCF website now until March 6. Up to three individuals will be recognized each year and awards may be granted posthumously.
Background
At the November 18, 2024, meeting, Council directed staff to establish an annual citizen recognition program. In January 2025, the City put out a call to volunteers for the committee that developed the framework and plan for the program. The committee was comprised of four Council members (Councilors Frizzell, Sampson, Scott, and Skakun) and three members of the public, who met monthly to discuss and submit their final recommendations to Council.
At the November 3, 2025, meeting, Council received the committee’s final report seeking approval for the implementation of the program. At that meeting, Council heard that current elected officials and City of Prince George staff are not eligible for nomination nor are individuals currently running for public office in the year of nomination. Council approved contributing $5,000 from their 2025 contingency fund to support implementation and $10,000 in the 2026 budget as a tax-levy-funded item to support the ongoing operation of the program.
The City partnered with the PGCF to deliver the program through a trusted, community-based organization with experience administering community recognition and charitable initiatives. PGCF’s role supports an independent, transparent adjudication process and ensures the program reflects community values while maintaining strong governance and accountability. PGCF will receive nominations and appoint between three and seven members, guided by its conflict of interest policy, to the adjudication committee.
-30-
Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca