Of behalf of the City of Peterborough,, city council honoured more than two dozen residents and organizations at the Civic Awards ceremony on Thursday evening (May 21) at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.
Presented annually, the Civic Awards recognize those who have made a difference in the community through arts, culture, sports, and volunteering, with awards in 12 categories.
After a public call for nominations from members of the community is completed, a Citizen Appointment Selection Committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of candidates to city council, which decides on the recipients in a closed session meeting to keep the results confidential before the awards are presented.
“The Civic Awards recognize the outstanding individuals and groups whose contributions and achievements have made a meaningful difference in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal in a media release.
“Through their volunteer efforts, dedication, and commitment to others, this year’s recipients have helped enrich the lives of residents across Peterborough. On behalf of city council and the community, I extend congratulations and appreciation to all of the 2025 Civic Award recipients for the positive impact they have made.”
The recipients of the 2025 Civic Awards are listed below by category, with descriptions of each recipient provided by the City of Peterborough (edited for consistency).
Community Betterment
Community Care
In 2025, the Community Care Peterborough Visiting and Social Safety Volunteers supported many clients with a dedicated group of 34 volunteers. The volunteer work does not go unnoticed as they provide companionship and regular check-in visits to older adults and individuals over the age of 18 living with physical disabilities.
Many of these interactions are the only opportunity the individuals have to connect with a friendly and caring voice. The volunteers assist in monitoring the health of the clients, and their overall well-being. These interactions help build meaningful relationships that are grounded in trust, empathy and shared interests.
Jan Williams-Stephen
Jan is being recognized for her extraordinary volunteer work supporting the homeless and disenfranchised members of the community. Jan’s passion for supporting the most vulnerable has not gone unnoticed. Through her volunteer work, Jan has been known to start her mornings at 4 a.m. to prepare food for those that are in need.
In addition to providing meals, Jan spends countless hours ensuring that those experiencing homelessness also have access to clothing and the necessities of life. Jan is a fierce advocate for the unhoused and makes it her mission to ensure that everyone she interacts with feels seen and valued.
In the words of her nominator, “It’s not often we meet someone as kind, thoughtful and action oriented as Jan.”
Alan Cavell
Alan came to Peterborough after completing his Master’s degree in adult education to take on a supervisor position at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. While he was in this role for 17 years, he spearheaded the development and funding of many supportive housing programs, community-based respite care, and programs for seniors. In this role, he supervised long-term care facilities ensuring that the utmost care was delivered to those residents.
Eventually, Alan left the ministry to become the executive director of VON Peterborough, where he remained for 14 years. Alan was a major part of the development of the Neighbours Helping Neighbours program, a service to assist seniors remain as independent as possible in a community setting. Alan was also responsible for developing an innovative compensation system as well as quality improvements at VON. Once he felt fulfilled in this role, he left to become the eecutive director of a long-term care facility in Peterborough.
In his 44 years of volunteer service in Peterborough, Alan was known by all as a kind and generous person that was a staunch supporter of improving the lives of those in need. Unfortunately, Alan passed away last month. We know his legacy and impact will live on in Peterborough.
Dr. Cam Crawford
Having grown up in Peterborough, Dr. Cam Crawford understands all too well about coming together to help his community. Dr. Crawford has spent countless hours providing free dental care treatment to hundreds of individuals who would otherwise not have access to care.
Volunteering over 250 hours throughout 2025, Dr. Crawford understands that by restoring smiles, treating emergencies, and educating patients, he has tangibly improved both health outcomes and quality of life across the Peterborough community.
Notably, during the Sandy Lake evacuation, Dr. Crawford led the development and deployment of a mobile dental trailer at Trent University and provided compassionate care in a moment of crisis.
In the words of his nominator, “Through service, innovation, and compassion, Dr. Crawford is helping build a healthier, more equitable Peterborough, one smile and one life at a time.”
Tiffany Arcari
Through the Tiffany Show, Tiffany is a community builder. Tiffany tells inclusive storytelling that amplifies local voices, celebrates community leaders, and creates platforms that foster connection, understanding, and pride in Peterborough.
Along with the show, Tiffany supports many local causes, including serving as a United Way Burger Ambassador, promotes fundraising and awareness for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, and the Peterborough Humane Society.
These efforts were done voluntarily, without obligation and helped extend the reach of important community campaigns.
Tiffany was also instrumental in organizing the International Women’s Day celebration that brings hundreds of women together to celebrate local women, share stories, and provide accessible experiences focused on connection, empowerment, and well-being.
In the words of Tiffany’s nominator, “Tiffany leads through action, create space for others to feel seen and supported, and quietly make things better wherever they are.”
Phillip Jolicoeur
Phillip Jolicoeur is an active and engaged leader who generously gives his time to support numerous local initiatives and organizations, including serving on several community boards such as the Children’s Aid Society, where he provides thoughtful leadership and oversight.
Beyond his leadership roles, Phillip is deeply committed to raising awareness and support for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, while consistently advocating for positive change that uplifts vulnerable individuals and families in our community.
Through both his professional and volunteer efforts, he has helped foster connection, belonging, and meaningful community impact across the city.
In the words of his nominator, “What sets Phillip apart is not only his involvement, but his consistency, integrity, and compassion he brings to every role he undertakes.”
Makaya Dafoe
Makaya has been a dedicated volunteer with the East Peterborough Lions Club, whose commitment to community service and supporting local causes has made a meaningful and lasting impact across Peterborough.
From helping organize and support events such as the Diabetes Walk for Peterborough and the Walk for Leader Dogs for the Blind to volunteering her time at numerous other community initiatives, Makaya consistently steps forward wherever help is needed. Her compassion, reliability, and willingness to give back reflect the true spirit of volunteerism and community pride.
What makes Makaya especially inspiring is her commitment to leading by example. As a mother, she brings her children to many volunteer events, teaching them the importance of helping others, giving back to the community, and never taking anything for granted. Her dedication to instilling those values at such a young age speaks volumes about her character and the positive example she sets for others.
In the words of her nominator, “Her goal with her children is to teach them to give back to the community, never take anything for granted, and to help others as much as you can.”
Cultural Betterment
Peterborough Folk Festival 2025 Board of Directors
Board members include Rob Davis, Megan Wells, Rebecca Schillemat, Chad Hogan, Carol Lawless, Tanye Nye, Lyn Giles, Emma Macdonald, Jennifer Jaruczek, and Teresa Mycroft.
The Peterborough Folk Festival Board of Directors is an extraordinary group of volunteers whose dedication has significantly strengthened the arts and cultural life in Peterborough.
The board produces the Peterborough Folk Festival, a free-admission community event that celebrates music, supports artists, and promotes Peterborough as a culturally vibrant destination.
Without the dedication and volunteerism of the board, the Folk Festival would not be going into its 37th year and holds the record of Canada’s longest-running free-admission folk festival.
In the words of their nominator, “Through their passion, commitment and vision, the Peterborough Folk Festival Board has created one of the city’s most beloved cultural events.”
Peterborough Musicfest Volunteers
Volunteers include Lynda Motschenbacher, Marilyn Philpot, Matthew Cabanlig, Sharon Smith, Lucy Ferrill, Michael Shearer, and Tracy Beverley. These individuals consistently go above and beyond their assigned responsibilities to support the Peterborough Musicfest.
This group steadily sets the standards for excellence within the organization. They approach their roles with professionalism, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility.
The volunteers welcome and usher VIPs, sell 50/50 raffle tickets to fundraise for the festival, help direct patrons at through Guest Services at Del Crary Park, and support on-site operations to ensure the concert nights flow smoothly. These volunteers help ensure the park is welcoming and safe for thousands of music lovers.
In the words of their nominator, “This group volunteers not for recognition, but out of a genuine commitment to community. They represent the very best of volunteerism, and Peterborough Musicfest could not thrive without individuals like them.”
Athletic Award of Merit
Braxtin Howard
Braxtin is recognized for his outstanding achievements in both hockey and lacrosse. He is a remarkable young athlete whose talent, leadership, and work ethic have set him apart both on and off the field of play.
Excelling at the highest levels in both hockey and lacrosse, he has earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and competitors alike through his dedication, toughness, and commitment to excellence.
What makes him especially deserving of this recognition is the example he sets for others. A natural leader, he elevates those around him, holds himself and his teammates to a high standard, and represents Peterborough with pride and integrity.
Peterborough U8 Tigers Baseball
The Peterborough U8 Tigers have shown that determination, teamwork, and heart can accomplish extraordinary things.
Their memorable championship run, highlighted by an incredible comeback to capture the OBA AAA Championship, reflects their resilience, sportsmanship, and unwavering belief in one another. Through hard work, dedication, and a love for the game, these young athletes represented Peterborough with pride and inspired our community along the way.
Beyond their success on the field, the U8 Tigers embody what youth sport is all about: teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit. Their achievement is a testament not only to their talent, but to the support of their coaches, families, and everyone who helped them along their journey.
Team members include Weston Perrin, Lucas Nelson, Easton Condon, Louis Curry, Reed Tivy, Chase Massie, Camden Raftis, Declan Manol, Asher Young, Reign Mercer, Henry Helleman, and Jackson Pyke.
Kawartha U9 Girls Lacrosse
The Kawartha U9 Lacrosse Team has achieved something truly special through teamwork, determination and outstanding athletic performance.
Competing at a high level throughout the season, the team earned gold in the U9 A Division at the 2025 OWFL Provincial Championships, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their dedication, skill, and love for the game. Their success is a proud moment not only for their club, but for the entire Peterborough community.
Beyond their championship result, this young team has demonstrated the very best qualities of sport: resilience, sportsmanship, and a commitment to supporting one another every step of the way. Their hard work, positive spirit, and team-first attitude make them truly deserving of this recognition.
Team members include Sienna Adams, Kinsley Briffett, Jocelyn Brioux, Carly Clark, Grace Crawford, Layla Doherty, Addie Harrald, Chloe Hunt, Nev McCormick, Olivia Oakley, Emma O’Halloran, Rylan Tully, and Perry White.
Anna Christensen
Anna is an exceptional young athlete whose dedication, versatility, and commitment to excellence have brought pride to the City of Peterborough.
Excelling at provincial and national levels in cycling and Nordic skiing, while also competing in cross-country running and track and field, she has demonstrated remarkable discipline, resilience, and athletic achievement across multiple sports.
Beyond competition, Anna is also a leader within the sporting community, mentoring young athletes, giving back through coaching, and representing Peterborough with integrity and sportsmanship in everything she does.
Reed Chamberlain
Reed has distinguished himself as one of Peterborough’s outstanding young athletes through exceptional skill, dedication, and competitive success in lacrosse.
From being named Rookie of the Year in the Ontario Junior C Lacrosse League, to helping lead the Peterborough Jr. C Lakers to scoring and championship success, and earning recognition as an all-Canadian in his freshman season at Trent University, his accomplishments reflect both remarkable talent and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As he continues to excel at the next level while representing Peterborough with pride, he serves as an inspiring example of what hard work, perseverance, and passion for sport can achieve.
Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability
Steve Paul
Steve Paul has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to environmental stewardship through his hands-on leadership, tireless volunteerism, and passion for building a cleaner, more sustainable Peterborough.
As the founder of Clean Up Peterborough, Steve has transformed a grassroots idea into a meaningful community movement, inspiring residents, organizations, and local businesses to take an active role in protecting and enhancing the natural spaces that make our community special.
Through organized clean-up initiatives, waste diversion programs, and environmental education efforts, he has shown that meaningful change begins with individual action and community collaboration.
Beyond his leadership in the community, Steve’s longstanding commitment to conservation through volunteer efforts in habitat restoration, native planting, and environmental advocacy has helped advance sustainability initiatives across the region.
His passion for protecting the natural environment and inspiring others to take action has made a meaningful and lasting impact on Peterborough.
Mayor’s Youth Award
Natalie Keys
Natalie is an outstanding young leader whose dedication, work ethic, and character have made a meaningful impact both on and off the field of play.
A talented multi-sport athlete, she has excelled in basketball, volleyball, track and field, and ultimate frisbee, while also achieving academic excellence in the classroom.
Her accomplishments, including qualifying for OFSAA in four different sports in a single school year and earning recognition for her elite athletic performance, reflect an extraordinary level of discipline, perseverance, and commitment.
What makes her truly deserving of this award is the example she sets for others. She is known as a supportive teammate, a positive leader, and a role model who carries herself with humility, confidence, and integrity.
Her ability to inspire those around her, combined with her dedication to excellence in everything she pursues, makes her a deserving recipient of the Mayor’s Youth Award.
Holnbeck Award
Andrea Dodsworth
Andrea has dedicated a lifetime to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities in Peterborough through extraordinary service, advocacy, and compassionate leadership.
For decades, she has been a tireless voice for inclusion, accessibility, and dignity, working across organizations, initiatives, and community partnerships to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families are not only supported, but empowered, respected, and truly included. Her work has helped remove barriers, elevate lived experience, and shape more thoughtful, responsive, and inclusive programs and services throughout our community.
What makes her contribution especially remarkable is the way in which she has led, with humility, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to others. Whether mentoring volunteers, advocating for systemic change, connecting organizations, or quietly helping individuals and families navigate challenges, she has consistently placed service above recognition and community above self.
Her ability to build trust, bring people together, and inspire meaningful action has left a profound and lasting mark on Peterborough, influencing not only programs and policy, but the very culture of how inclusion and accessibility are understood and embraced in our city.
The Holnbeck Award recognizes lifelong volunteer contributions that create lasting change, and this year’s recipient embodies that spirit in every sense. Her dedication has enriched countless lives, strengthened our community, and helped make Peterborough a more compassionate, accessible, and welcoming place for all.
Junior Athlete of the Year
Matthew Kathiravelu
Matthew has established himself as one of Peterborough’s most exceptional young athletes through remarkable achievement, dedication, and all-around excellence both on and off the field of competition.
His outstanding performances in track and field, particularly in the triple jump and long jump, have earned him provincial and national recognition, including record-setting performances, championship titles, and a place among the very best athletes in Canada in his age group. His accomplishments in 2025 have not only been impressive, they have been historic.
What makes him especially deserving of this honour is that his excellence extends far beyond athletics. A standout student, multi-sport competitor, and respected leader among his peers, he has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to hard work, discipline, and personal growth in everything he pursues. Through his achievements, character, and dedication, he has brought tremendous pride to Peterborough and serves as an inspiring example for young athletes across our community.
Matthew’s impressive athletic and academic accomplishments have led him to be awarded a NCAA Athletic Track Scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League School where he was accepted into the prestigious Wharton School of Business.
Adult Athlete of the Year
Karl Allen
Karl Allen has distinguished himself as one of Peterborough’s premier athletes through excellence, perseverance, and achievement on the international stage.
As a member of Team Canada’s wheelchair curling program, Karl helped Canada’s Team White capture a bronze medal against Team Italy at the inaugural Grand Slam of Curling Wheelchair Invitational, showcasing elite skill, teamwork, and composure against top competition while helping elevate the profile of wheelchair curling nationally and internationally.
Karl’s accomplishments extend far beyond a single championship. Through his dedication to high-performance sport, he has become a proud representative of Peterborough and an inspiring example of resilience, commitment, and competitive excellence.
His success on the world stage has brought tremendous pride to our community, and his leadership within sport continues to leave a lasting impact.
Senior Athlete of the Year
Scott Wasson
Scott has built an exceptional legacy through decades of excellence, dedication, and championship success in the sport of fastball.
A 10-time Peterborough City League champion, along with being a multiple-time Ontario and Canadian champion, he has consistently competed at the highest level, earning the respect of teammates, competitors, and the broader sporting community through his skill, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the game.
His remarkable return to elite competition further demonstrates his passion and perseverance. After stepping away from the sport for many years, Scott returned to compete on the world stage and helped lead the Cobourg Force to an undefeated championship run at the 2025 OSC World Fastball Championships, where the team outscored opponents 64 to four across seven games en route to capturing the Legend Division title.
His enduring excellence, competitive spirit, and outstanding achievements make him a truly deserving recipient of the Senior Athlete of the Year Award.
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Jenisha Sanjit Arora
Jenisha has made an extraordinary impact on the Peterborough community through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others.
Since arriving in Peterborough as an international student at Fleming College, she has dedicated herself to supporting fellow students as they navigate the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and academic environment.
Through volunteering with student services and taking on a leadership role as an International Student Services Assistant, she has worked tirelessly to ensure students feel welcomed, supported, and connected, offering guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during some of their most difficult moments.
Her contributions extend far beyond campus. Through advocacy, mentorship, and meaningful community engagement, she has helped foster cultural understanding, inclusivity, and stronger connections within Peterborough’s diverse community. Her ability to bring people together, inspire involvement, and uplift those around her has enriched the lives of countless students while strengthening the cultural fabric of our city.
Her service reflects the very best of volunteerism, and her dedication, empathy, and positive impact make her truly deserving of recognition.
Volunteer of the Year
Mary Jane Smith
Mary Jane exemplifies the spirit of selfless service, leadership, and community commitment.
For decades, she has dedicated countless hours to supporting youth, athletes, and fellow volunteers through her extraordinary work in the sport of swimming, serving at the local, regional, provincial, and national levels. As a highly respected official, mentor, and leader, she has helped ensure competitions are conducted with excellence, fairness, and professionalism, while also guiding and developing the next generation of officials and volunteers who will carry the sport forward.
Her impact reaches far beyond the pool deck. Through her volunteer work with the Peterborough Swim Club, local high school swimming competitions, the Peterborough Special Olympics Swim Program, and her leadership as Chairperson of Camp Northern Lights, she has created meaningful opportunities for youth of all backgrounds to grow, participate, and thrive.
With more than 800 volunteer hours in 2025 alone, her dedication is nothing short of remarkable. What sets her apart is not only the breadth of her service, but the humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment with which she gives her time.
Her lasting contributions have strengthened Peterborough’s sporting and volunteer communities in profound ways, making her a truly deserving recipient of Volunteer of the Year.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The late Paul Wilson
Paul is being recognized for a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Peterborough community.
Over decades of meaningful involvement, he helped strengthen the social, civic, and economic fabric of our city through thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to community-building. Whether supporting local organizations, fostering partnerships across sectors, or quietly guiding initiatives behind the scenes, his influence has been broad, lasting, and profoundly impactful.
What set him apart was not simply the length of his service, but the character and integrity with which he served.
He was known as a steady and trusted leader; someone who brought people together, championed collaboration, and consistently worked to create opportunities that would benefit Peterborough for generations to come. His leadership was never about recognition, but about impact, lifting others up, strengthening institutions, and leaving the community stronger than he found it.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honours those whose contributions create a lasting legacy, and this year’s recipient embodies that spirit in every sense. His decades of dedication, quiet leadership, and measurable impact have left an enduring mark on Peterborough that will continue to be felt for years to come.
Kathy Hiltz
Kathy is being recognized for more than five decades of extraordinary volunteer service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Peterborough community.
Since first becoming involved with the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association in the early 1970s, she has devoted countless hours to strengthening local sport, supporting generations of young athletes, and helping build one of the most respected lacrosse communities in the country.
Through leadership roles on the executive, decades of organizing major fundraising initiatives, tireless support of house league and representative programs, and her longstanding involvement with the Peterborough Laker Classic, her impact on the game and on this community has been immeasurable.
What makes her legacy especially remarkable is that her service has always extended far beyond a title or role. Whether mentoring families, supporting young players, stepping forward whenever help was needed, or quietly working behind the scenes to ensure programs thrive, she consistently led with humility, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to others.
Her lifelong dedication to youth sport has helped create opportunities for thousands of children and families, strengthened community connections, and left a lasting foundation that will continue to benefit Peterborough for generations to come.
Her extraordinary volunteerism also extends beyond sport, including decades of devoted service to her parish community through children’s programming, faith mentorship, and parish leadership. In every area of her life, she has embodied the true spirit of service, giving her time, heart, and energy to make her community stronger, more welcoming, and more connected.
