The City of Owen Sound is inviting residents to shine a spotlight on the volunteers who help make the community a better place to live.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Awards, which recognize individuals whose dedication, leadership, and generosity strengthen Owen Sound’s sense of community. The awards celebrate volunteers at every stage of life, with categories including Youth Volunteer of the Year for ages 14 to 21, Senior of the Year for those aged 65 and older, and the newly named Jan Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year Award, open to nominees of any age.
This year marks a meaningful change to the awards program, as the long-standing Volunteer of the Year honour has been officially renamed in memory of Jan Chamberlain. The award was retitled following her passing last summer to recognize her lasting impact as a former city councillor and passionate community advocate. Chamberlain’s decades of service reflected a deep commitment to Owen Sound and inspired many others to get involved and give back.
“Volunteers are the heart of our community. Renaming the Volunteer of the Year award in honour of Jan Chamberlain is a meaningful way to recognize her lifelong dedication to Owen Sound, and to inspire future generations to continue that legacy of service,” said Mayor Ian Boddy.
The Youth Volunteer of the Year and Senior of the Year categories continue unchanged, ensuring volunteers of all ages are recognized for their contributions. Award recipients are selected by the City’s Community Services Committee, with decisions based solely on the information provided in the nomination forms.
Residents have until March 1, 2026, to submit nominations, which can be completed online through the City’s website at OwenSound.ca/Awards. Full eligibility requirements and award criteria are also available online.
In addition to the volunteer awards, the City notes that nominations for the Arts and Culture Awards will open separately in early February, with more details to be shared soon as part of the annual awards program.
City staff encourage community members to take a moment to acknowledge someone whose efforts often happen quietly but make a lasting difference.
