Town considers update to citizenship awards

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Students throughout Strathmore may soon have opportunities to vie for new monetary awards financed by the town. 

The Committee of the Whole debated, July 15, about several potential changes to the town’s Citizenship Award Policy.

“The schools select students who exemplify outstanding citizenship within the community. The recipients of the awards receive a monetary award with values currently ranging between $100 and $500,” said Johnathan Strathdee, manager of legislative services. “They also receive an engraved plaque, a signed letter from the mayor, and a one-year all-access pass to all recreation facilities.”

Members of council have, in previous years, attended respective ceremonies at schools where a nominated student was chosen to receive a citizenship award to make the presentations.

First among the suggested changes was to change the practice of handing out engraved plaques to certificates. Strathdee estimated this would save the town approximately $1,400 annually, which could in turn be used to raise the amounts awarded to high school students.

“Administration could include sections within this policy regulating how other forms of recognition are conducted,” added Strathdee. “We can create a standardized process that would align better with our letter of support policy, and other policies that we have to clarify how individuals and groups receive recognition.”

Presented before the committee as potential categories for recognition outside of nomination from schools included art, sport, academic and service achievements, community service or leadership, milestones and anniversaries of importance, or acts of service and heroism. 

In 2026, the town spent $9,435.25 relating to the distribution of the citizenship awards, including the cheques handed to the students, the money spent on the plaques, and the value of the all-access recreation passes. 

Due to the size of its student population, Coun. Brent Wiley suggested increasing the award granted to Strathmore High School students, given that the achievement is intrinsically more competitive than at other schools. 

Coun. Claude Brown countered with not wishing to see any local student potentially disadvantaged by the award system simply because of which school they chose to complete their secondary education at. 

There are currently 11 schools which are actively communicated with for consideration of citizenship awards. It was noted in the proposal to council that other schools not currently participating, such as the Holy Cross Collegiate Junior High, may be added to the program.

A drafted version of the policy will be brought forward to a future council meeting. Upon its approval, legislative services will reach out to the indicated schools to begin the process for the 2027 awards.