RFABC Awards
RFABC Awards Program
2025 Award Nominations:
Nominations will open on December 2, 2024
Ready to make someone’s achievements shine? Nominating them for an award is thrilling—but it doesn’t hurt to scope out the criteria first. A quick dive into the history and purpose of each award ensures your nominee’s story stands out where it counts. And don’t hold back—nominate them for more than one award! Just make each nomination unique to match the award’s vibe.
Putting in a bit of that extra effort? That’s what turns a nomination into a winning one.
–> Browse the drop-down menu below to learn more about the background of each award.
–> You’ll also see previous winners’ names and the nominations’ criteria.
Award Criteria:
This award recognizes individuals within the Association for their meritorious service.
To be considered for the award, the following conditions apply:
- Nomination: Nominations for the John Bate Award of Merit can be submitted by individual members or by Zones within the Association.
- Reasons for Selection: Nominations must include the reasons for the nominee’s selection, highlighting their significant contributions to the Association.
To learn more about John Bate and the history of this award: JOHN BATE
2024 Winner: John Marcellus, Regional District of Nanaimo
Recipients
Ron Dietrich, West Shore
Ron Aubrey, Victoria
Ron Booth, New Westminster
Jim Weicker, Cowichan Valley
Chris Nelson, Esquimalt
Mike Reed, Esquimalt
Ken Kelbough, Victoria
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Mayor & Council, Gold River
Denis Leclerc, New Westminster
W.E. "Bill” Woycik, Prince George
Vince Kreiser, Vancouver Community College
Gerry Morgan, Gold River
John MacKenzie, Kimberley
Reg Stone, Trail
John Bate, Victoria
Award Criteria:
Each year, this award is presented to one exceptional recreation, sport, or leisure facility in the province.
To qualify, the facility must meet the following conditions:
- Facility Type: It must be a recreation, sport, or leisure facility.
- New or Improved: The facility should be relatively new or recently renovated.
- Community Need: The facility must address a significant community need, showcasing its impact.
- Innovation: The facility should demonstrate innovations in areas such as design, energy management, operations, revenue generation, or services.
- Membership: The facility or its community must have a member in good standing within the RFABC.
- Efficiency: The facility should show efficiencies in operation, energy conservation, and preventative maintenance.
To learn more about Bill Woycik and the history of this award: BILL WOYCIK
2024 Winner: Thrifty Foods Skate Park
(accepting on behalf of West Shore Parks and Recreation, Bobbi Neal)
Recipients
Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, Colwood
Minoru Centre for Active Living, Richmond
Masich Stadium, Prince George
Queen's Park Arena, New Westminster
Aldergrove Community Centre, Langley
Delbrook Community Centre, North Vancouver
City Centre Community Centre, Richmond
Timms Community Centre, Langley
Ladner Leisure Centre, Delta
Kin Centre Enhancement Project, Prince George
Pitt Meadows Arena
Cowichan Sports Arena Renovation Project, Duncan
Poirier Sports & Leisure Centre, Coquitlam
Cowichan Aquatic Centre, Duncan
Armstrong-Spallumcheen Arena
Nanaimo Ice Centre
Revelstoke Recreation Centre & Mission Leisure Centre
Esquimalt Recreation Centre
Oceanside Place, Parksville
Guildford Community Centre, Surrey
Port Alberni Multi Plex
Seaparc Leisure Complex, Sooke
Surrey Sports and Leisure Complex
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre, Courtenay
Pinetree Community Centre, Coquitlam
Strathcona Gardens, Campbell River
Ice Sports Centre
Panorama Leisure Centre
Prince George Civic Centre
Rutland Arena, Kelowna
District of Taylor Ice Arena
Riverside Coliseum, Kamloops
Castlegar & District Aquatic Centre
Award Criteria:
The Dave Dauphinee Exceptional Service Award honours an RFABC member who demonstrates remarkable dedication and support within the Association.
Nominees should meet the following criteria:
- Support for Fellow Members: The member actively assists and supports other members across the Association.
- Zone Involvement: The member shows dedication and active involvement within their Zone.
- Service to RFABC: The member has contributed to the overall growth and success of the Association.
- Outstanding New Member: This award also recognizes new members who have made significant contributions through their dedication and achievements within their community or facility.
Nomination Process:
Nominations for the Dave Dauphinee Exceptional Service Award may be submitted by individual members or by Zones. Nominations should include reasons that illustrate the nominee’s exceptional service and dedication.
To learn more about Dave Dauphinee and the history of this award: DAVE DAUPHINEE
2024 Winner: Kelly Johnston, City of Delta
Recipients
Chantel Kosmynka, Delta
Tamara Gillis, Bulkley Valley
Wade Loukes, Prince George
Cyndi Lathrop, Surrey
Gary Paterson, Nanaimo
Steve Napper, Delta
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Ron Booth, New Westminster
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Ron Dietrich, Westshore Parks and Recreation
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Sheena Boyles, Mill Bay
Jason Craig, Nelson
World Under 17 Championship Committee, Vancouver Island
Dennis Magoffin, Armstrong
Lori Blackman, Powell River
Ed Dockter, Squamish
Jim Weicker, Cowichan Valley
John Elzlnga, Cowichan Lake
Ernie Mansueti, North Cowichan
Mike Reed, Esquimalt
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Ray Boogaards, Prince George
Joyce Fordyce, Burnaby
Ron Booth, New Westminster
Ernie Mansueti, North Cowichan
Mike Creedon, Courtenay
Bill Reekie, Campbell River
Gerry Morgan, Gold River
George Tufnail, White Rock
Kurt Houlden, Chilliwack
Peter Kozak, Nelson
John Bate, Victoria
Len Bjola, Sooke
Jim Langhorn, Centaur Athletics
W.H. "Bill" Young, Saanich
W.E. “Bill” Woycik, Prince George
Stan Shigehiro, Coquitlam
Award Criteria:
The Gerry Morgan Memorial Trophy honours an individual, non-member, community, or organization outside of RFABC membership who has shown exceptional commitment to supporting the Association.
Nominees should meet the following criteria:
- Assistance to the Association: Demonstrates a willingness to actively assist and support the RFABC.
- Service to RFABC Growth: Contributes to the overall growth and success of the Association.
- Valued Partnerships: Plays a role in building and enhancing valued partnerships with the Association.
- Dedication and Involvement: Shows dedication through active involvement and meaningful contributions to the Association.
Nomination Process:
Nominations for the Gerry Morgan Memorial Trophy may be submitted by individual members or by Zones. Nominations must include reasons highlighting the nominee’s impact and support of the Association.
To learn more about Gerry Morgan and the history of this award: GERRY MORGAN
2024 Winner: No Nominations Received
Recipients
WorkSafe BC
Jared Kope, via SportBC
Marilyn Bate, Victoria
Technical Safety BC
DB Perks - Commercial Aquatic Supplies
Vince Kreiser, Langara College
Audrey Polovnikoff, Castlegar
Vernon Funtastic Sports Society
Terrace Kraft Hockeyville Committee
Gene Shutek, Langara College
Award Criteria:
This award honours an individual currently employed in a full-time, maintenance role within a public or private recreation facility (such as a pool, arena, fitness center, or community theater).
To qualify, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Employment Status: The nominee must be employed full-time in a maintenance capacity for at least one calendar year.
- Position Level: Eligible nominees should be in front-line or career entry-level positions, excluding supervisory or management roles.
- RFABC Membership: Nominees are not required to be members of RFABC.
- Board Member Staff: Staff members of current RFABC Board members are ineligible for nominations submitted by Board members.
Nomination Process: Nominations should clearly outline the nominee’s contributions and qualifications according to the criteria above.
To learn more about Harry Atkinson and the history of this award: HARRY ATKINSON
2024 Winner: Scott Novakowski, Williams Lake
Recipients
Peter Daoust, West Kelowna
Don Carter, Salmon Arm
Tristan Webb, Westshore
Travis Drake, Trail
Zac Wethal, Nakusp
Clarence Breikrentz, West Kelowna
Clayton Bannatyne, Parksville
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CHANGE OF AWARD CRITERIA
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Linda Magoffin, Armstrong
Traci Rennie, Surrey
Barbara Mulligan, Chilliwack
Ruth Kelbough, Victoria
Barb Vincent, Mill Bay
Sandra Boogaards, Prince George
Jan Labbe, Delta
Marilyn Bate, Victoria
Sheila Morgan, Gold River
Kathy Kreiser, Clearbrook
Nhorin Leclerc, New Westminster
Jocelyne Shigehiro, Coquitlam
Kay Atkinson, White Rock
Award Criteria:
The Bob Muir President’s Award is presented annually to an RFABC member who, in the opinion of the President, has made an exceptional contribution to the Association over the past year.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Membership: The nominee must be a current member of the RFABC.
- Contribution: The nominee should have demonstrated an outstanding commitment or achieved significant accomplishments that positively impact the Association and its goals.
- Support of RFABC Goals: Contributions should align with the RFABC’s mission and objectives, enhancing the Association’s growth, service, or community engagement.
Nomination Process:
Nominations for this award are reviewed by the President, who selects the recipient based on their exceptional contributions during the year.
To learn more about Bob Muir and the history of this award: BOB MUIR
2024 Winner: Sheena Boyles, Cowichan Valley Regional District
Recipients
Keith Holloway, Langley
Geoff Chesterton, Langley
Jenna Stevens, Port Moody
Ian Welle, Victoria
Ron Dietrich, Westshore Parks and Recreation
Terry Welsh, Nakusp
Geoff Chesterton, Aldergrove
Chris Siddaway, Coquitlam
Ron Dietrich, Westshore Parks and Recreation
Robert Baker, Trail
Karin Carlson, Fort St. John
Ron Aubrey, Esquimalt
Todd Wallace, Castlegar
Gary Rushton, Aldergrove
Bob Grant, Oliver
Ed Dockter, Squamish
John Elzinga, Lake Cowichan
Jamie Rennie, Surrey
Joyce Fordyce, Coquitlam
Chris Nelson, Esquimalt
Wilbur Wostradowski, Kelowna
Carolyn Madge, Oliver
Ray Boogaards, Prince George
Ray Boogaards, Prince George
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Louie Labbe, Surrey
Ryan Mulligan, Chilliwack
Bob Coghill, Salmon Arm
David Susak, Kamloops
Vince Kreiser, Vancouver Community College
Bill Reekie, Campbell River
Mike Creedon, Courtenay
Denis Leclerc, New Westminster
Vince Kreiser, Vancouver Community College
Tom Walton, Mackenzie
John Atkinson, White Rock
John Bate, Victoria
Dave Susak, Williams Lake
Gerry Morgan, Gold River
Len Bjola, Sooke
Fred Madden, Logan Lake
Ron Gardler, Saanich
Gordon Smith, Kelowna
Chuck Lawrence, Surrey
Doug Ruttan, Juan de Fuca
W.H. “Bill” Young, Saanich
Stan Shigehiro, Coquitlam
W.H. “Bill” Young, Saanich
W.E. “Bill” Woycik, Prince George
Hobie Clark, Edmonton
Jack Boutilier, Vernon
Joe Dukowski, Coquitlam
John Bate, Victoria
J.J. lannarelli, Sr., Esquimalt
Jack Morgan, Victoria
Harry Atkinson, Kerrisdale
Jack Morgan, Victoria
J.O. “Bus” Evans, PNE
Reg Stone, Trail
Jack Morgan, Nelson
Herb Phillips, Vernon
Award Criteria:
This award recognizes an individual who has made a strong and dedicated contribution to the programming objectives and goals of the RFABC. The award celebrates members who excel in delivering impactful programming within recreation facilities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Employment Status: The nominee must be currently employed full-time in a programming role for at least one calendar year within a public or private recreation facility (such as a pool, arena, fitness centre, or community theatre).
- Position Level: Eligible nominees should hold front-line program positions; supervisory or management staff are excluded from consideration.
- RFABC Membership: Nominees are not required to be RFABC members.
Nomination Process:
Nominations may be submitted by individual members or by Zones to the Awards Committee, with clear reasoning supporting the nominee’s contributions.
To learn more about Joyce Fordyce and the history of this award: JOYCE FORDYCE
2024 Winner: Roseline Grimm, Squamish
Recipients
Julie Duncan, New Westminster
Shawn Fengler, Port Coquitlam
Award Criteria:
The RFABC-Polar Engineering Climate Action Award recognizes a recreation facility that demonstrates industry leadership in climate action through bold, innovative projects. This award celebrates facilities that have implemented cutting-edge green technology and made significant strides in reducing their carbon footprint.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Facility Type and Location: The applicant must be a sport or leisure facility located in British Columbia.
- Project Timeline: The climate action project must have been completed within the two previous calendar years.
- Climate Action Achievement: The facility must have completed a substantial climate action project, either by implementing new green technology or achieving deep carbon reductions.
- Membership Status: The facility must be a member in good standing with the RFABC.
Award Details:
The RFABC and Polar Engineering present this award to a facility that exemplifies bold leadership and commitment to climate action in the recreation industry, setting a standard for sustainability in British Columbia.
2024 Winner: Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre
(accepting on behalf of the City of Chilliwack, Eric Schulz)
Recipients
West Shore Parks & Recreation – Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre
Recipients
Robert Baker, Trail
Corrinne Garrett, New Westminster
2024 Winner: Vancouver Island Zone
(accepting on behalf of the Island Zone, Zone Director, Joshua Beaulac)
Recipients
Vancouver Island Zone
Lower Mainland Zone
Lower Mainland Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Lower Mainland Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
West Kootenay Zone
West Kootenay Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Okanagan Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Cariboo Zone
Mainland Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Mainland Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Okanagan Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
West Kootenay Zone
Mainland Zone
Cariboo Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
North Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Skeena-Bulkley Zone
Mainland Zone
Mainland Zone
Mainland Zone
North Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Mainland Zone
Cariboo Central Zone
North Zone
North West Zone
West Kootenay Zone
Northern Zone
Okanagan Zone
Vancouver Island Zone
Mainland Zone
Okanagan Zone
Award Criteria:
The RFABC Associate Member of the Year Award recognizes an Associate Member who has made outstanding contributions to the Association over the past year. This award celebrates exceptional involvement and support by an Associate Member in advancing the goals and mission of the RFABC.
Selection Process:
- The recipient will be selected by the immediate Past President and Associate Director, in consultation with the Executive Director.
To learn more about Ron Aubrey and the history of this award: RON AUBREY
2024 Winner: Automated Aquatics Canada
(accepting the award is John Duiker, President of Automated Aquatics Canada)
Recipients
Kendrick Equipment
Servitech Training Ltd.
Polar Engineering
Cimco Refrigeration
Hi-Pro Sporting Goods Ltd.
DB Perks and Associates
Accent Refrigeration Systems
Scholarship Criteria:
This recreation student scholarship, named in honour of the Association’s first Secretary-Treasurer (1950-51) and longest-serving President, was established in 1981 to support students pursuing careers in recreation facilities management. Originally offered to students in the Recreation Facilities Management Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, it moved to Vancouver Community College in 1986 and is now awarded annually to a student in the Recreation Leadership Diploma Program at Langara College in Vancouver, BC.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Student Status: The recipient must be a full-time graduating student enrolled in the fourth term of the Recreation Leadership Diploma Program.
- Talent and Interest in Recreation: The student must demonstrate to Department faculty a strong talent for and interest in recreation facilities operations, along with a genuine desire to pursue a career in this field.
- Diligence and Initiative: The recipient should display attributes of a diligent self-starter who works hard to achieve goals that benefit others.
Award Details:
- The student will receive a $500 scholarship.
- The applicant must be a student at Langara College, and all applications are managed through the Langara Foundation.
To learn more about Joe Dukowski and the history of this award: JOE DUKOWSKI
2024 Winner: Kelvin Cheung, Langara College
Recipients
Michael Patrick, Langara College
Lukas Djuras, Langara College
Samson Lee, Langara College
Karina Tung, Langara College
Hannah Glavin, Langara College
Steven Maisey, Langara College
Teelah Logan, Langara College
Kayla Raimondo, Langara College
Taylor Venner, Langara College
Jerome Oregas, Langara College
Travis Pearce, Langara College
Shannon Penway, Langara College
Larry Alas, Langara College
Pam Berg, Langara College
Bernard Lee, Langara College
Mark Houlden, Langara College
Renata Turick, Langara College
Shawn Bourgoin, Langara College
Nicole Wilson, Langara College
Nicole Castor, Langara College
Chris Shubert, Langara College
Monica McGinley, Langara College
Grant Rice, Langara College
Victoria Murphy, Langara College
Lesley Sharp, Langara College
Cheryl Kensick, Langara College
Sonja Boston, Langara College
Marian Gardner, Langara College
Julie Freund, Langara College
Kim Hilton, Langara College
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Timothy Turner, VCC
Jim Davies, VCC
Nancy Sylvain, VCC
Jane Faulkner, VCC
Susan Boeschoten, VCC
Lisa Wong, VCC
Rob Stagg, VCC
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Mike Cregan, BCIT
Norm Gallicano, BCIT
Bruce Tilbury, BCIT
Joanne Carlson, BCIT
Craig Briewis, BCIT
2024 Winner: Francis Chu, Langara College
Recipients
Alyssa Formosa
Matthew Morin
Fraser Cameron
Hannah Glavin
Gregory Paton
Tara Silva
Sam Ahlgren
Keltie Post
Barbara Vadovicova-Fong
Simon Chiu
Jennifer Chohan
Ellen Dacamara
Sophia Hughes
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CHANGE OF AWARD CRITERIA
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Erica Lowney
Emma Peake
Shannu Poyser
Roy Liu
Tanya Penman
Brenda Alexander
Jaimie Brown
Chris Shubert
Monica McGinley
Erica McIntyre
Brian Forrester
Lesley Sharp
Cheryl Kensick
Sonja Boston
Karlene Epp
Kevin Jeffery
Jason Freund
Dave Fossum
Timothy Turner
Patti Minor
Recipients
Arthur Hung
Award Criteria:
The RFABC-Island Zone Education Grant is a $500 grant established by the RFABC-Vancouver Island Zone to recognize the contributions and service of long-serving members within the zone and to support educational growth and commitment to the RFABC.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Residency: The applicant must reside within the Vancouver Island Zone of the RFABC.
- Industry or Student Status: The applicant must be employed in the parks, recreation, or community development industry, or be a student enrolled in a recognized recreation studies program.
- Application and Agreement: The applicant must complete an online application, agree to the terms of the grant, and include a brief summary explaining why they believe they deserve the award.
- Grant Usage Report: The recipient must provide the RFABC Island Zone with a written summary detailing how the grant was used or, alternatively, attend a zone meeting to discuss their grant usage.
- Submission Deadline: The application must be submitted within the specified time frame.
Grant Process and Parameters:
- The grant will be awarded annually to a single recipient and will expire two years from the time of award if unused.
- The award includes a $500 voucher to be used for any RFABC or recreational educational course, program, conference, or Leisure Development Course.
- The recipient will also receive a one-year complimentary RFABC membership.
- The voucher is non-transferable and has no cash value.
2024 Winners: