UBCM is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Community Excellence Awards. These recipients stood out for going above and beyond the purposes of local government in BC. They are innovative, provide direct benefit to their community, and demonstrate leadership in their field.
- PRESIDENTS COMMITTEE CHOICE: District of Saanich – Asset Management Strategy and Implementation Plan
- EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE: Village of Cache Creek – Transparent Recovery Initiative
- EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE DELIVERY: Township of Esquimalt – Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program
- Honourable Mention in Service Delivery: Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako – Cycle 16 Trail Project
- EXCELLENCE IN ASSET MANAGEMENT: City of Greenwood – Resilient Greenwood: Building the Future Together
- EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY: Metro Vancouver Regional Distrct – Repair Cafes
View photos of the ceremony here.
The Community Excellence Awards recognize and celebrate UBCM member First Nations, regional districts and municipalities that have implemented projects or programs that go above and beyond in meeting the purposes of local government in BC. The awards are intended to showcase outstanding initiatives and share them with other members to implement in their own communities.
As established by the Community Charter and the Local Government Act, the purpose of local government is to provide good governance, deliver services for community benefit, ensure responsible stewardship of public assets, and maintain a sustainable framework. The award categories recognize these goals.
Governance – Governance is the process of decision-making and the means by which decisions are implemented – or not implemented. This category recognizes UBCM members that utilize governance processes and policies that are outcomes-based and consensus oriented; support and encourage citizen participation in civic decision-making; are efficient, equitable and inclusive, open and transparent; and exemplify best practices in accountability, effectiveness, and long-term thinking.
Service Delivery – Service delivery involves the production and provision of goods and services to the community and should be integrated with community plans and aligned with financial plans. This category recognizes UBCM members that provide effective services in a proactive manner and demonstrate benefit to the community.
Asset Management – Asset management integrates planning, finance, engineering and operations to effectively manage existing and new infrastructure to maximize benefits, reduce risk and provide satisfactory levels of service to community users in a sustainable manner. This category recognizes UBCM members that have developed and implemented a comprehensive asset management policies and practices which meet or exceed best practices.
Sustainability – Sustainability means meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This category recognizes UBCM members that incorporate a long-term sustainability lens by considering the four pillars – cultural, social, economic and environmental issues – in planning, policy and practice.
The Presidents Committee Choice award, added in 2021, recognizes a community the UBCM Presidents Committee believes deserved special recognition for exemplary demonstration of excellence and outstanding achievement in relation to a current issue faced by local governments.