COQUITLAM, B.C., January 31, 2024 – Nominations are open for Coquitlam’s 2024 Environmental Achievement Awards. The bi-annual event recognizes volunteers, educators, youth, children or organizations who lead environmental sustainability initiatives and work to promote, preserve and enhance Coquitlam’s natural environment.
Nominations are open now until Friday, March 8, with details on the categories, criteria, an online nomination form and a list of previous winners available at coquitlam.ca/EnviroAwards. The awards acknowledge residents and community partners whose volunteer actions play an important role in making sure our natural environment is protected for current and future generations.
Award Categories
You can nominate yourself or others in the following categories:
- Green Sprout: ages 3-12
- Individual: ages 13-18
- Individual: 19 and over
- Teacher or Educator
- Youth Group: School or Club
- Adult Group: Organization, Service Club, Not-for-profit
- Lifetime Achievement: 20 years or more of volunteer experience
Nominees do not need to be residents of Coquitlam, but their activities or projects should occur in Coquitlam or directly benefit our community.
Nominations are also encouraged for individuals who quietly work behind the scenes, volunteers who have dedicated their expertise and time for 20 or more years, newcomers or those who only recently completed a project, as well as youth and children who undertake activities and projects in their community or neighbourhood.
Criteria
Nominations can be made for work that supports any of the following:
- Environmental conservation/protection, such as invasive species removal, watershed/stream protection, species protection, habitat improvements and environmental rehabilitation
- Environmental education/public awareness, such as delivering educational programs, public outreach, public or school-based green clubs
- Environmental sustainability, such as waste reduction and recycling, climate action, water conservation, food security/gardening and sustainable transportation
- Environmental responsibility, such as street, park or stream clean up and storm drain marking
Evaluation of the nominations will consider the scope of the project or commitment, initiative and leadership, how far the actions reach, and ongoing commitment and impact into the future.
Awards Recognize a Wide Range of Contributions
Since 2004, the Environmental Achievement Awards have recognized the contributions of more than 75 groups and hundreds of volunteers who have taken on initiatives year-round that support environmental sustainability. Some of the volunteer actions and projects recognized in previous years include: shoreline and litter cleanups, salmon habitat restoration, storm drain marking, nest box maintenance, guided public hikes, pollinator gardens, educational events, invasive plant removal and stewardship activities.
Submit a Nomination
Visit coquitlam.ca/EnviroAwards for all the details and to complete the online nomination form.
Supporting documents such as photos, newsletter articles, video clips, social media posts and letters of support strengthen a nomination and can be emailed to: EnviroAwards@coquitlam.ca or mailed or dropped off at: Coquitlam City Hall, Reception, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2, Attention: 2024 Environmental Achievement Awards.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 8, 2024.
Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan
Coquitlam finalized an Environmental Sustainability Plan in January 2022 that guides decisions and ensures the long-term resiliency and sustainability of the community. The Environmental Sustainability Plan is organized into five themes: Climate Action, Built Environment, Waste Management, Water Management and Natural Areas, Wildlife and Habitat. The implementation plan includes a final list of 135 actions along with a list of priorities.
Media Contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager, Environment
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.