Whistler’s Longest Standing Celebration of Volunteers
Established in 1969
The Whistler Citizen of the Year Award keeps outstanding community builders front of mind. Whistler Community Foundation is honoured with the task of selecting the annual recipient of this prestigious award.
The Whistler Citizen of the Year is an outstanding community builder who contributes significant volunteer time to enhancing the quality of life in Whistler. This individual demonstrates extraordinary leadership and community service outside of employment. Well-respected in the community, they inspire others with their caring and positive attitude and spirit of cooperation.
Award Presented by
The 2026 Whistler Citizen of the Year Award is presented by Coast Mountain Law
Coast Mountain Law, formerly Race and Company LLP and Mountain Law Corporation, has been proudly serving clients in Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and beyond since 1973.
Whistler's 2026 Citizen of the Year
Nominated for extensive volunteer work across the community including board and committee roles with Whistler Healthcare Foundation, Friends of Whistler Library, and Myrtle Phillip Community School PAC, as well as key volunteer roles at Whistler Festival of Trees by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, Ironman Canada Whistler, and Whistler Turkey Trot.
“Connecting people through purpose brings me great joy. I firmly believe resilient communities are built when people feel valued, included, and empowered to make a difference. My goal has always been to create pathways for others to participate, collaborate, and help shape a stronger community together.”
– Jennifer Black, Whistler’s 2026 Citizen of the Year
2026 Citizen of the Year Finalists
Whistler’s 2026 Citizen of the Year was announced at the 2026 Whistler Excellence Awards Gala on October 22, 2026. “The Diamond Celebration” marks 60 years of business excellence in Whistler. The 2026 Top 3 Finalists were:
- Jennifer Black
- Sarah Hryciw and Ben Hryciw
- Greg McDonnell
Note: finalists are presented alphabetically by surname.
2026 Citizen of the Year Award Criteria
An eligible candidate:
- is an individual*;
- resides in B.C.;
- is of any age;
- makes recent and significant volunteer contributions within the community of Whistler;
- actively participates in positive change for the benefit of the community;
- empowers others to build community strength and resilience; and
- includes community members in a way that builds trust and promotes a sense of belonging.
*At the discretion of the selection committee, a collective (of two or more volunteers) may be considered an individual, when the collective is focused on one or more shared initiatives that have significant impact on the community.
Winners of the Citizen of the Year (2014 - 2025)
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2025 Winner Ashley Girvan
2024 Winner Carol Leacy (accepted by Jackie Dickinson)
2023 Winners Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl Cultural Centre’s Ambassadors
2022 Winner Stella Harvey
2021 Winner Karin Kausky
2020 Winner Dave Clark
2019 Winners: Keith Reynolds and Pat Montani
2018 Winner: Steve Bayly
2017 Winner: Heather Paul
2016 Winner: Cathy Jewett
2015 Winner: Anne Townley
2014 Winner: Sue Adams