Nominations Open for the 2026 Peterborough County Community Recognition Awards

Peterborough County, ON – Peterborough County is proud to invite residents to help celebrate the people, groups, and organizations who make our communities exceptional by submitting nominations for the 2026 Community Recognition Awards.

Held every two years, the County Community Recognition Awards shine a spotlight on the dedication, leadership, compassion, and innovation that strengthen communities across Peterborough County. This is an opportunity to recognize neighbours, volunteers, leaders, youth, businesses, and organizations whose efforts truly make a difference.

Residents may nominate any individual or group living in Peterborough County who has raised the County’s profile or made an extraordinary contribution to community life. Nominees must not have received a Peterborough County Community Recognition Award in the same category within the past 15 years.

Unless otherwise noted, one award will be presented per township in each category.

Award Categories

• Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business that has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award)
• Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations)
• Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered.
• Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award)
• Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.
• Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:
  ▪    Developed innovative green technologies or
  ▪    Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or
  ▪    Donated conservation lands or easements or
  ▪    Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or
  ▪    Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or
  ▪    Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award)
• Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on- going basis as requested). (One County-wide award)
• Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.
• Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award)
• Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

How to Nominate
Nomination forms are available at the Peterborough County office (470 Water Street, Peterborough), local municipal offices, township fire halls, police service boards, schools, libraries, chambers of commerce, and Community Care organizations.

Nomination can also be submitted online through the County website: Peterborough County Community Recognition Awards Nomination Form

Completed and signed nomination forms, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted to the County Clerk by March 2, 2026.

What Happens Next
All nominations will be reviewed by the Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee, with recommendations presented to County Council. County Council will select and announce the award recipients in April 2026.

The community is invited to join in the celebration at the 2026 Community Recognition Awards Ceremony, taking place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., hosted by the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan in Keene.

For more information, please contact: 
Tracie Bertrand 
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
Communications@ptbocounty.ca 
705-743-0380 ext. 2507