By Tessa Swanton, Bruce Peninsula Press
Community members and volunteers gathered on April 16th at the Lion’s Head Rotary Hall to engage in an afternoon of networking, food, and celebration. The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (MNBP) held the Volunteer Recognition Day event in observance of National Volunteer Week held from April 27th to May 4th, 2025.
This year, 23 nominations were received across five different award categories. These prestigious awards express Council’s appreciation of the many individuals and community groups who work to enhance the quality of life in NBP.
Peggy Van Mierlo-West, MNBP’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), acted as emcee for the festivities. Van Mierlo-West said that the purpose of the occasion was to “celebrate the heart and soul of our community, our volunteers.”
Mayor McIver expressed his deepest gratitude to all volunteers in attendance as their dedication, compassion, and countless hours of service make a longstanding difference in our community. Mayor McIver said, “Every act of kindness no matter how small creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves.” Further, “Dedication is what makes NBP the exceptional place that it is” and he asked the group to “continue to inspire one another to make a difference.”
Arts and Culture Award
Jordan Collins was presented with the Arts & Culture Award by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson: an award given to an individual for contribution to the development, support, preservation or promotion of culture, music, visual, performing or literary arts. As a teacher at Bruce Peninsula District School (BPDS), Jordan has launched primary and senior choirs, led caroling at local daycares and nursing homes, and organized the first BPDS Celebration of the Arts show. Collins began offering piano lessons in 2024 with students growing to perform at local Christmas concerts and the Kiwanis Music Festival this spring. Deputy Mayor Anderson said, “we are so lucky to have her nurturing talent in our community.”
Kim White, a nominee and 32 year retired military veteran, was recognized by Deputy Mayor Anderson as “a steady, guiding presence in youth arts and literacy for over a decade.” White has acted as the Youth Officer at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 202 for over 12 years organizing Remembrance Day contests for youth. White also leads Public Speaking Contests, assists with awards and bursaries, acts as the Legion’s Sergeant-at-Arms, and serves as a Parade Marshal during Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Environment Award
Councillor Aman Sohrab presented the Environment Award to Rod Layman: an award given to an individual for their contribution to the protection, preservation, beautification, awareness and/or promotion of our local environment. Layman serves on several committees, such as the Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee and Grey Bruce Climate Action Network. He is the Chair of the Bruce Peninsula Environment Group, and assists with organizing music for Harbourside Music, the Farmers’ Market and Golden Dawn. Councillor Sohrab said that “Rod’s leadership, quiet determination, and unwavering commitment to the planet make him an extraordinary example of how one person can influence many.”
Tamara Wilson, nominee, is the president of the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club, leader and environmental advocate. She maintains her own section of the trail and has launched programs like the First Nations Outreach and Conservation Badge Portfolio.
Sheri McHardy, nominee, co-leads a School Outreach Program while acting as a trail captain. McHardy “brings her passion for learning and the outdoors into the classroom and onto the trails.”
Sara and Brad McMillan, nominees, volunteer together on the Bruce Trail. The duo are land stewards, trail captains, and environmental advocates.
Dr. Mike Sehl, nominee, serves as the Board Lead for EcoAdventures for the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA). Dr. Sehl’s work has made EcoAdventures profitable allowing the program to fund local conservation projects.
Patricia Sein, nominee, volunteers with the BPBA specializing in birds and biodiversity. Councillor Sohrab said, Sein “coordinated a major study on red-headed woodpeckers and organized an impressive fundraising raffle that raised over $3,700 for environmental initiatives.”
Anne James, nominee, has spent 14 years raising Monarch butterflies and educating the public on the significance of milkweed along with conducting presentations across Ontario.
Sports and Recreation Award
Jim Martindale was awarded the Sports and Recreation Award: presented to an individual for contribution to the promotion, development and support of recreation and sport in the community. Martindale has been a part of the Lion’s Head Minor Softball executive for over 25 years. Councillor Todd Dowd expressed that “Jim’s passion for youth sports is infectious” and “his own daughter, Colleen Martindale, now helps carry the torch.”
Bill Floyd, nominee, is a hike leader, trail captain, and youth outreach coordinator for the Bruce Trail Club. Floyd’s passion for the outdoors has brought that same excitement to local schools, promoting wildlife and conservation.
Natalie Mechalko, nominee, is a trail captain, sawyer, and role model on the Bruce Trail. Mechalko promoted/launched the “Hike It! Love it! Keep it Clean!”, Hiking Festival and Trail Running initiatives.
Yvette Roberts, nominee, serves as a member of the Peninsula Club’s Spirit Squad and volunteers as a trail angel where she offers rides and support to hikers. Councillor Dowd said that Roberts is known for her “warm hospitality and infectious spirit.”
Margie Gloade, nominee, is a hike leader, Hiking Festival committee member and land steward. She also launched the End-to-End Trail Run and supports tourism during the shoulder seasons.
Larry Stevens, nominee, volunteers with the Tobermory Pickleball Club and St. Edmunds Sports Night. Stevens helps create a sense of community through sports and physical activity.
Shawn Radcliffe, nominee, is hike leader with the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club and is known for launching the Hiking Festival’s Sunrise Yoga program. Councillor Dowd stated that “Radcliffe is a shining example of the generous spirit which supports the Peninsula Section’s trail, connecting people with nature through hiking.”
Good Neighbour Award
Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden presented John Currie with the Good Neighbour Award: awarded to a resident for their outstanding efforts and actions that have enhanced or improved our community. Currie has lived in Cape Hurd for almost forty years where he checks on seasonal homes and keeps Cape Hurd residents informed. Councillor Golden expressed that Currie “helps ensure that cottages are safe and secure, fostering a real sense of neighbourhood unity.”
Debbie Dover, nominee, acts as the President of the Pike Bay Community Association where she manages the local community centre which serves as a hub for events, workshops, and rentals. Dover leads fundraising efforts and silent auctions along with the lively Canada Day celebration at the Pike Bay Park.
Harry Schnurr, nominee, assists neighbours with yard work, transportation, garbage, and meals. Councillor Golden stated that Schnurr “provided selfless care and support to a neighbour with terminal cancer while offering dignity and kindness.”
Maureen Sloat, nominee, has volunteered with Bruce Peninsula Hospice for over a decade providing support to individuals and families facing illness. Sloat offers “companionship, respite care, and emotional support in homes the Golden Dawn.”
Outstanding Community Group Award
Mayor Milt McIver concluded the evening by presenting the Outstanding Community Group Award to the Rotary Club of Northern Bruce Peninsula, an award that recognizes a community group for its outstanding voluntary contribution to the well-being of our community. Mayor McIver said, “for over 71 years the Rotary Club has been a cornerstone of community service in NBP” and “you are the heart of this community, and we thank you.” The Rotary Club is responsible for several outstanding community initiatives, like coffee socials, trivia nights, Oktoberfest celebrations, bartending events, food bank donations, sponsoring student scholarships, and hosting international exchange students.
The Friendship Club, nominee, was also recognized by Mayor McIver as a welcoming hub that offers both social and recreational opportunities for seniors in the community. The club offers many activities, such as line dancing, card games, luncheons and bus trips.
