Lanark County Council has recognized four local residents for their outstanding service by presenting them with the annual Awards of Excellence on Wednesday evening. The honours highlight people whose work has made “significant and extraordinary contributions” across at least two municipalities.
This year’s recipients include Erin Lee of Lanark County Interval House and Community Support for Community Service, teenage world-champion paddler Isobel Lowry of Almonte for Recreation and Sports, Tay Valley Township rescue founder and councillor Korrine Jordan for Community Service, and Carleton Place volunteer quilter and horticultural leader Sheila Gibson for Volunteerism.
Warden Toby Randell praised the recipients for making Lanark County “an incredible community,” adding the awards express council’s gratitude for residents who help improve local quality of life.
Lee, who has led LCIHCS since 2007, was honoured for her work on intimate partner violence awareness, food security initiatives, and the award-winning Victim Advocate Program. She has also expanded safe-housing options and built partnerships that help rural women and children escape violence.
Lowry, just 17, became a three-time Junior World Champion in sprint canoe last summer. She has also earned national medals, four Canada Games medals and served as Team Ontario’s flag bearer. Her work ethic and mentorship of younger paddlers were highlighted as key reasons for her nomination.
Jordan was recognized for her rescue work at Willow Creek Stables, where she has rehomed 90 ponies and supported volunteers, children and special-needs visitors. While undergoing cancer treatment, she continues to inspire a network that has stepped up to care for the farm.
Gibson was honoured for donating scores of quilts to seniors, families and survivors of violence, and for her volunteer work beautifying Carleton Place.
Randell said each recipient has “left a legacy for others,” adding their names will be displayed on the county’s Awards of Excellence plaque and website.
