COQUITLAM, B.C., June 29, 2022 – The City of Coquitlam held its sixteenth Environmental Achievement Award celebration on Sunday, June 26 in Blue Mountain Park.
The bi-annual awards celebration recognizes community volunteers who excel in the areas of conservation, public awareness, environmental education, habitat enhancement, sustainable living and leading environmental sustainability initiatives. The award recipients show initiative and leadership while volunteering for projects that that support environmental sustainability and have long-term benefits to Coquitlam’s natural environment.
Nominees were also recognized for their passion, and investment of time and contributions to the community and environment.
The awards support the success of Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) by acknowledging those residents and community partners whose volunteer actions play an important role in stewarding the natural environment for current and future generations.
2022 Environmental Achievement Award Winners
The City of Coquitlam received 30 nominations who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the environment through their volunteerism. Visit coquitlam.ca/enviroawards for a list of all this year’s nominees and their work.
We would like to thank and acknowledge the recipients of the 2022 awards:
- Jenna Lam - Individual Green Sprout (ages 3-12)
Jenna’s curiosity and exploration of the environment has inspired others with her efforts in sustainability by: protecting native species; planting a home garden; involvement in the Tree Restoration Project and Trail project at R.C. MacDonald School; and in sharing her passion with peers. - Adam Dhalla - Individual (ages 13 - 18)
Adam’s creativity and dedication in developing the educational mobile game, Find the Birds, has engaged and inspired others. The platform has reached thousands of people across British Columbia and beyond, raising awareness on conservation and the environment. Adam’s game has been very influential and demonstrates his strong leadership skills within the community. - Shelley Livesey - Individual (19 and over)
Shelley is recognized for her extensive hours of volunteer services within the community to help protect and preserve the environment. A distinguished member of the community, she often goes above and beyond in work with the Maple Creek Watershed Streamkeepers Society. Her enthusiasm, cheerfulness and a willingness to jump in and get hands dirty is an inspiration to others. - Hariette Chang - Teacher or Educator
Hariette is recognized for educating and engaging students and encouraging positive change through Real Acts of Caring. Inspiring children and youth to promote kindness to others and the environment without the expectation of anything in return is honourable. Her passion and dedication has encouraged students across British Columbia to get involved in this movement. - Vanier Conservation and Habitat Project - Youth group: School or Club
The Vanier Conservation and Habitat Project educates and engages students and encourages environmental stewardship within the community. This project allows students to get involved by bringing a hands-on approach to learning by working collectively and as individuals, to cultivate a habitat space that will continue to inspire and engage present and future generations. It is a space that sparks creativity, imagination and curiosity. - Immigrant Link Centre Society - Adult Group: Organization
The Immigrant Link Centre Society is honoured for their extensive hours of volunteering, providing assistance to those in need and diverting as much food waste as possible. “From Pollution to Solution” project has helped ensure that thousands of people do not go hungry while promoting environmental stewardship, by diverting food from our landfills, saving resources, energy, time and money. Their charity has become invaluable to so many people in the community. - Marion Hamm - Lifetime Achievement (20 years or more of volunteer experience)
Marion Hamm inspires and and promotes creativity and curiosity in the classroom. By raising salmon for over 20 years, she has educated and engaged students to learn about various salmon species, their habitat and how we interact with their ecosystems. This has cultivated a passion and enthusiasm within the community to protect and respect local streams.
Environmental Volunteer Opportunities
More than 20 Coquitlam groups and hundreds of volunteers take on projects year-round that support the environment.
Residents with an interest in the environment are encouraged to sign up as a City volunteer to take part in activities such as invasive plant removal, tree planting, helping at environmental events, wearing the City’s bear and salmon mascot costumes and more.
Individuals or groups can also take on the responsibility for a section of Coquitlam’s trail system or a catch basin, and can participate in our storm-drain marking program. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/volunteer for opportunities and more information.
Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan
Coquitlam finalized an Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) in January 2022 that will guide decisions to ensure the long-term resiliency and sustainability of the community.
The ESP 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 Top 10 list of priorities for 2022. Learn more about the ESP at www.coquitlam.ca/enviroplan.
For more information about the City’s environmental activities, visit www.coquitlam.ca/environment.
Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager, Environment
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca