Northumberland’s favourite businesses, organizations and community champions were recognized Thursday evening during the 2025 Northumberland Spirit Awards.
Hosted by Classic Rock 107.9, 93.3 myFM and Oldies 100.9, with support from this year’s sponsors, Cobourg Kia, CCS Industrials, Ryan Huffman Real Estate Team and Desjardins Insurance Agent Andrea Spohn, the awards recognize outstanding local businesses, organizations and individuals chosen by the people who know them best, the residents of Northumberland. Thousands of votes were cast across dozens of categories, making the awards a true reflection of community support and local pride.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when the Community Cheerleader Award was presented posthumously to longtime community advocate Jeff Lees.
Accepting on his behalf, Laurie Lees reflected on what the honour would have meant to him.
The Customer Service Excellence Award went to Fiona Guernsey of Rosewood Estates.
Meanwhile, Brian Stadtke of Stadtke Plumbing and Heating was recognized as Best Contractor or Tradesperson.
Cobourg Home Hardware Building Centre also celebrated a win as Best Building Material/Hardware Store.
Ian Cole tells us what it was like to here their name called.
Complete Winners List
Community Champion Award
St. John Ambulance – Therapy Dog Program
Customer Service Excellence Award
Fiona Guernsey (Rosewood Estates)
First Responder of the Year
Port Hope Police Constable Tammie Staples
Healthcare Hero
Theo Barker
Best Local Artist
Little Lake
Best Performer
Cale Crowe
Educator of the Year
Mike Fisher (Mike Fisher Driving School)
Coach of the Year
Jaclyn Diminie (U9A West Northumberland Wild)
Favourite Adult Entertainment/Activities
Capitol Theatre
Favourite Children’s Entertainment/Activities
Cobourg Public Library
Best Auto Service Business
Stronger’s Auto Spa and Accessories
Best Real Estate Agent/Agency
Ryan Huffman Real Estate Team
Best Bakery
Dooher’s Bakery
Best Health & Wellness Business
Mindful Meridians PEMF and Float Centre
Best Local Festival
Cobourg Waterfront Festival
Best Tourist Attraction
Burnham Family Farm Market
Best Coffee
Black Cat Cobourg
Best Pizza
Jim’s Pizza & Pasta Port Hope
Best Restaurant
Cucina Urbana
Best Burger
Big Boy’s Burgers
Best Contractor or Tradesperson
Brian Stadtke (Stadtke Plumbing and Heating)
Best Bar/Pub
CJ’s Tap and Grill
Best Construction or Renovation Company
Wright’s Construction
Best Breakfast
Cobourg Diner
Best Landscaping or Lawn Care Business
Jay’s Landscaping
Best Cleaning Service
Cleaning for a Cure
Best Childcare or Learning Center
YMCA Northumberland
Best Pet Service
Cobourg Pet Nanny
Best Home-Based Business
Cobourg Homemade Food
Best Retail Store
We Made It
Best Locally Owned Business
Circa 1818
Best Professional Service
O’Keefe Accounting Group
Best Building Material/Hardware Store
Cobourg Home Hardware Building Centre
Best Hot Tub/Pool Store
Mazdak Leisure Beachcomber Hot Tubs
Best Fitness Centre
Oxygen Yoga and Fitness Cobourg
Best Dental Services
Family Dental Centre
Best Craft/Art Supply Store
Yarn It! Cobourg
Best Craft Brewery/Cidery
Ganaraska Brewing Company
Best Heating and Air Conditioning Services
Wayne Simpson Refrigeration & Heating
Best Furniture/Mattress Store
Tugg’s Furniture Gallery
Best Toy/Hobby Store
Spark – Toys for Cool Kids
Best Local Chef
Zak Copeland (Prep Food Co.)
Best Beauty & Personal Care Business
The Grubby Barber
Best Financial Service
John Greenlee, The Mortgage Centre
Best Pet Store
Justin’s Pet Store
Best Optometry Services
Insight Optical
Community Cheerleader
Jeff Lees (posthumously)
Best Appliance/Electronics Store
Joice Sweanor
Best Northumberland Golf Course/Club
The Mill
Ketch’s Korner
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, whose dedication, service and commitment have earned the recognition of their friends, neighbours and customers across Northumberland.
Organizers also thanked sponsors, nominees, presenters, volunteers and the Cobourg Lions Club for helping make the evening possible. The annual awards continue to celebrate the people, businesses and organizations that help make Northumberland a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
(Written by: Joseph Goden with files from Mark Hanson)
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner
- Spirit Award Winner




















