The Town of Cobourg is accepting nominations for its 23rd annual civic awards, which recognize residents who give back to the community and promote the town they call home from supporting an area theatre group to volunteering with local sports.
The town’s civic awards committee is extending the call for nominees whose efforts have helped benefit and promote the community through outstanding volunteerism, achievement, and community involvement.
“The Town of Cobourg civic awards provide an opportunity to recognize the dedicated volunteers who foster community well-being in all facets of life,” Jenny Neutel, communications manager for the Town of Cobourg, told kawarthaNOW.
When asked about the past winners, Neutel said they have contributed to Cobourg in a variety of different ways.
For example, some have become engaged with the arts and culture scene through volunteerism with local radio shows, or by supporting one of the local theatre groups. There are awards to recognize those who support sports and recreation, as well as those who give countless hours to Cobourg’s community not-for-profit organizations.
“You don’t have to be a volunteer for a specific Cobourg organization,” Neutel said. “if you know someone giving back to this community in a way that is meaningful, we want to hear about it,” Neutel said.
There are two levels of awards.
The major awards level for individuals who have volunteered for five years or more includes 11 categories recognizing achievements in arts and culture, bravery, environment, heritage, sports, community service, and more.
The distinguished awards level recognize specific contributions made during the past year and can be awarded to individuals or groups in the categories of arts and culture, athletics, community service, education and technology, environment, heritage, and IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility).
“Our volunteers give everything and expect nothing in return,” said Town of Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland in a media release.
“Honouring them is a privilege. That is just one of the reasons that the Town of Cobourg takes pride in this program every year. To provide more time for residents to submit nominations, the civic awards committee has extended the nomination period this year.”
Nominations are due by February 27, 2026, with online and printable nomination forms available at www.cobourg.ca/civicawards.
The town’s civic awards committee will review all nominations and recommend the winners to council, who will make decisions in a closed session meeting to keep the results confidential before the awards are presented.
Held during National Volunteer Week in 2026, the civic awards ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21 in the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall in downtown Cobourg.
Major award recipients will receive an aluminum statue created by Hoselton Studios, a Victoria Hall pin, and a certificate of honour. Distinguished award recipients will receive a Victoria Hall pin and a certificate of honour.
