Gatineau celebrates four citizens with the prestigious Gatineau Citizen Merit Award
Tashi Farmilo
In a ceremony that highlighted the essence of community spirit, the City of Gatineau awarded the prestigious Citizen Merit Award to four remarkable individuals. Held at the Maison du Citoyen, this event celebrated the exemplary actions, commitments, and achievements of those dedicated to enhancing the local community.
Introduced in 2021, the Citizen Merit Award reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the vital contributions of its citizens. This year’s recipients are a testament to the diverse and impactful ways that individuals can contribute to the greater good.
Jean François LaBrosse has been a beacon in the local scouting community, dedicating numerous years to nurturing the growth and development of the region's youth. His unwavering commitment earned him this esteemed recognition.
For his enduring and innovative involvement with the Corporation of Elders of the Round Wooden Cabin, André Lapierre was also among the honoured. His contributions have played a crucial role in maintaining the organization’s vitality and creativity.
Josué Thervil was celebrated for establishing the Aylmer Run Crew, an inclusive running club that has fostered community spirit and health. His involvement in various sporting organizations further cemented his place among this year's recipients.
Danilo Velasquez was recognized for his over 20 years of service as a community journalist. His dedication to highlighting change-makers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region has brought deserving attention to those working tirelessly for positive community change.
In her remarks, France Bélisle, the Mayor of Gatineau, expressed immense pride in the recipients. "Our city is beautified and enriched by people who are actively committed to the well-being of the community. I am proud that these four citizens received this much-deserved distinction and I wish them to be an inspiration to all," she stated.
The Citizen Merit Award is unique in that it allows for both municipal council members and the public to nominate deserving individuals, ensuring a democratic and community-centric selection process. As these four individuals are celebrated, their stories stand as a poignant reminder of the power and importance of active civic engagement in shaping a vibrant and resilient community.
Photo caption: Portraits of distinction: From top left, André Lapierre and Danilo Velasquez, followed by Josué Thervil and Jean François LaBrosse at the bottom. Each honoured for their significant contributions to the Gatineau community, they proudly represent the recipients of the 2023 Gatineau Citizen Merit Award.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau