Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Peterborough County Community Recognition Awards

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Peterborough County is inviting residents to help celebrate the people, groups and organizations who strengthen the community by submitting nominations for the 2026 Community Recognition Awards.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Every two years, the County Community Recognition Awards acknowledge community members who demonstrate dedication, leadership, compassion and innovation across Peterborough County.

Residents may nominate any volunteers, leaders, youth, businesses and organizations living in Peterborough County. Nominees must not have received a Peterborough County Community Recognition Award in the same category within the past 15 years.

Award Categories:

Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business that has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award)

Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in their professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations)

Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors to be used to assess the nomination will include innovations, agricultural promotion, and the recognition the County receives through its operations. It may consist of involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered.

Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award)

Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

  • developed innovative green technologies or

  • started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or
    donated conservation lands or easements or

  • undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

  • educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

  • achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award)

Heritage Preservation: An individual or group that has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community or public or private organization that has reached a significant milestone, such as the 100th anniversary, is also eligible for this award. (One County-wide award)

Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award)

Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available at the Peterborough County office (470 Water Street, Peterborough), local municipal offices, township fire halls, police service boards, schools, libraries, chambers of commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be submitted online through the County website.

Completed and signed nomination forms, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted to the County Clerk by March 2.

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