PITT MEADOWS, BC – The City of Pitt Meadows is proud to announce the recipients of the sixth annual Community Service Awards.

“Pitt Meadows is home to so many innovative and inspiring people,” says Mayor Nicole MacDonald. “We are proud to honour these individuals who go the extra mile in their commitment to the well-being of our community.”

The City congratulates the following recipients of the 2024 Community Service Awards:

1.      The Business of the Year Award, which recognizes a local business that, on a regular basis, contributes to the overall quality of life in Pitt Meadows through community service endeavours, is awarded to:

Pitt Meadows Combat Club, in recognition of their positive impact on health, fitness and community spirit in Pitt Meadows. Represented by Cheryl Martin and Connor Gallagher, Pitt Meadows Combat Club offers programs for all ages that encourage confidence, self-esteem and a stronger sense of community. The gym offers an after-school pickup program, providing peace of mind for working parents and safe, engaging after-school care for children through their Heron Athletics Program. Additionally, their support and sponsorship of local mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes who compete at the professional level fosters both athletic excellence and community pride. Pitt Meadows Combat Club is actively involved in many community events, including Pitt Meadows Day and collecting food bank donations. The City deeply values their contribution to the community.

2.      The Community Service Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership and outstanding community service without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:

Krista Marion for her commitment to bringing people of all ages together in the community. Through her Ridge Meadows 55+ Facebook group, Krista organizes weekly events for over 1,000 members, helping sustain a supportive, active and connected community while supporting local small businesses. Krista has also organized fundraising events for local Parent Advisory Committees as well as the Meadow Ridge Female Minor Hockey Association. Her tireless service and inclusive spirit have had a lasting, positive impact on Pitt Meadows, making her a vital part of the community.

3.      The Community Service Youth Award, which recognizes the positive contributions of youth under 25 years, who have provided outstanding service to the community without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:

Clarissa Moody for her dedication to fostering cultural pride and unity among q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation youth. 15-year-old Clarissa established Coastal Jams, a gathering for young people to come together to drum, sing and dance, creating a space for cultural connection and expression for q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie). Her efforts have inspired many youth to celebrate their heritage, participate in traditional practices and take pride in their unique identity within the community. Clarissa has shared her gifts by performing at the BC Summer Games, Pitt Meadows Day, the PNE and the opening of new exhibitions at the Pitt Meadows Art Gallery. Her role as a cultural ambassador extends beyond performances; she spent her summer mentoring children, organizing crafts and supporting the first q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) Pride event. Clarissa’s humility, dedication and passion for uplifting others make her a powerful role model in the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) community and beyond.

Tristan Kennedy for being an active volunteer and dedicated member of the community at only nine years old. Tristan is an active participant in the Lower Mainland Green Team, where he helps with tasks like invasive plant removal, shrub pruning and native tree planting. His positive energy and eagerness to lend a hand have made a lasting impact on both the environment and his fellow volunteers. Beyond his environmental work, Tristan strengthens his neighbourhood connections as a local newspaper delivery boy and donates half his earnings to charity each year. He is also an enthusiastic member of the 1^st Pitt Meadows Cub Scouts, where he serves on the leadership council. Tristan’s passion, empathy and dedication to bettering his community at such a young age make him a true role model and inspiring young leader.

4.      The Good Neighbour Award, which recognizes an individual’s contributions to their neighbourhood community through acts of kindness, is awarded to:

Colin McIntyre for being the heart of his neighbourhood and known for his kindness, reliability and unwavering willingness to help. Whether he is greeting every passerby with a smile and a chat, assisting mobility-impaired neighbors with groceries, or driving a neighbor to the vet, Colin always goes above and beyond. He takes pride in maintaining not only his own lawn, but also those of his neighbors, and he clears snow without ever being asked. From taking out recycling bins for others to organizing neighbourhood tool swaps, Colin’s acts of service make everyone feel supported and connected. This Community Service Award is a well-deserved recognition of his endless compassion and dedication to making life brighter for his entire neighbourhood.

5.      The Spirit of Pitt Meadows Award, which recognizes the contributions of an individual for their overall outstanding community service, dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Pitt Meadows, is awarded to:

J.C. Coates for being an inspiring force in the local sports community. J.C. has coached multiple local soccer teams for over 15 years and is known for his encouragement and positive spirit on the field five nights a week. His impact on young athletes is evident and he has built skills and confidence in players of all ages by introducing provincial-level training for young soccer athletes in Pitt Meadows, while fostering a strong and supportive community around the sport. His commitment, passion and ability to bring people together make him a true cornerstone of Pitt Meadows—this Community Service Award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his countless contributions.

“We congratulate this year’s winners of the Community Service Awards and thank them for their meaningful contributions to our community,” says Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts. “We are also grateful to the many people who nominated individuals and businesses in our City for these important awards.”

Nominations were received, reviewed and selected by the citizen-led task force. Thank you to the 2024 Community Service Awards Task Force, which included Gay Conn, Hudson Campbell, Lindsay Bissett, Katie Sullivan and Margaret Bakstad.

The recipients will be acknowledged at the Public Council Meeting on January 28, 2025 and presented with their awards at a private event in 2025. For more information or to view past award winners, visit pittmeadows.ca/awards.

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For more information please contact:
Tia O’Grady
Manager of Communications and Civic Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows

media@pittmeadows.ca