The Municipality of Port Hope celebrated outstanding community members at its annual Civic Awards ceremony, held before a full house at the Capitol Theatre.
The evening opened with a tribute from Mayor Olena Hankivsky to OPP Sergeant Brandon Malcolm, who died in the line of duty earlier this week. A moment of silence was observed in his honour before the ceremony continued.
Hosted by Classic Rock 107.9’s Mornings with York host York Bell Smith, the event recognized individuals and groups whose service and dedication have made a lasting impact in the community.
Smith also paid tribute to former councillor, deputy mayor, and Outstanding Citizen award recipient Jeff Lees by dedicating the Community Service Awards category to his memory. Lees, remembered for his contributions to the community, was also honoured in a personal way as Smith wore a Boston Bruins cap during the presentation, reflecting Lees’ passion for the team.
Awards were presented in eight categories, celebrating achievements in areas including agriculture, arts and culture, athletics, environment, heritage, philanthropy, and community service.
This year’s top honours saw Owen Price named Outstanding Youth, while Peter Abrams received the Outstanding Citizen Award.
The ceremony also featured performances from local talent, including musicians and youth performers, highlighting the depth of artistic talent within the community.
Following the awards, attendees gathered in the theatre lobby for a reception featuring refreshments from a range of local businesses.
Municipal officials say the Civic Awards program continues to play an important role in recognizing the people who help make Port Hope a welcoming and vibrant community.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
