Mayor Thorne Rochon leads volunteer awards ceremony celebrating community impact

A new municipal program aimed at celebrating volunteerism launched its first awards night in West Nipissing on June 25, with honours presented to local groups and residents across four categories

Two community groups and 10 individual volunteers were recognized for exemplary volunteerism in West Nipissing. The awards ceremony, which took place at the Sturgeon River House Museum on June 25, was part of the municipality’s first year of its Volunteer Recognition program. Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

“Tonight, we have the privilege of celebrating the individuals and organizations whose generosity, compassion and dedication make West Nipissing a stronger, more welcoming and more connected community,” the mayor said. Awards were presented in four categories: Dream Team (Community Group Recognition), Community Champion (Adult Volunteers), Heart of Gold (75+ Years), and Rising Star (17 Years and Under). The Verner Beautification Committee and No More Tears West Nipissing both received a Dream Team award for their contributions.

Community Champion awards went to: Heidi Vezina (posthumous nomination), Valerie Larivière Simone Dumont, Paul Paiement, Katherine Clark, Diane Baronette, Alexandria Gingras and Yvette Rochefort for their efforts to improve their communities. Cécile Allaire was honoured with the Heart of Gold Awards, and this year’s Rising Star youth award went to Xavier Courchesne.

Nominations were open to the public and many submissions were received from across the municipality. A selection committee consisting of three members of Council and two municipal staff members reviewed the nominations based on criteria including community impact, leadership and mentorship, and lasting contribution. Mayor Thorne Rochon emphasized, “Volunteers are at the heart of our community.

They give their time, share their talents and step forward whenever there is a need. They support families, mentor young people, care for our seniors, assist those facing difficult circumstances and help make our neighbourhoods better places to live.” The mayor added, “On behalf of Council and the Municipality of West Nipissing, congratulations to all of our 2026 Volunteer Recognition recipients.

Your contributions may be measured in hours, projects and accomplishments, but your true impact is seen in the people you have supported and the community you have helped build.” David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.