The Municipality of Brighton is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Community Service Excellence Award and the Youth Community Service Excellence Award (formerly the Junior Citizen of the Year Award). These awards honour individuals whose dedication strengthens the well-being of the Brighton community.
“Brighton thrives because of the dedication and compassion of our volunteers.” said Mayor Brian Ostrander. “If you know someone who gives their time to make our community stronger, kinder, or more vibrant, I encourage you to nominate them for a Community Service Excellence Award. Let’s celebrate the people who quietly do extraordinary things.”
There are two award categories being presented in 2026:
Community Service Excellence Award
Formerly known as the Citizen of the Year Award, the Community Service Excellence Award honours a resident who has made meaningful, long-term contributions to the Brighton community.
Eligibility Requirements:
Nominees must:
- Be a resident of the Municipality of Brighton for a minimum of five years
- Have contributed significantly to the community over several years
- Have not received remuneration for the volunteer activity for which the award is being proposed or have voluntarily performed duties related to their paid employment significantly beyond what is expected of a person handling that paid position
Youth Community Service Excellence Award
New for 2026, the Youth Community Service Excellence Award (formerly the Junior Citizen of the Year Award) honours an outstanding young community member whose dedication, initiative, and compassion have made a meaningful impact to the Brighton community.
Youth Eligibility Requirements:
Nominees must:
- Currently be a student in grades 7 to 12
- Have gone to school in the Municipality of Brighton (i.e., East Northumberland Secondary School, Spring Valley Public School, Smithfield Public School or Brighton Public School) for a minimum of two years OR is currently living, and has lived in the Municipality of Brighton for a minimum of two years
- Have demonstrated meaningful contributions to the Municipality of Brighton (i.e. through their school, Brighton community, etc.)
- Not have received any remuneration for the volunteer activity for which the award is being proposed or have voluntarily performed duties related to their paid employment significantly beyond what is expected of a person handling that paid position
Spirit of Service Awards
To acknowledge the wide range of volunteer efforts that strengthen our community, the program also includes Spirit of Service Awards, presented to nominees who demonstrate commendable service even if they are not selected as the recipient of the Community Service Excellence Award or the Youth Community Service Excellence Award. Previous Spirit of Service recipients may be nominated again this year and in future years.
Nomination forms are available at www.brighton.ca. Paper copies can also be picked up at the Municipal Office, 35 Alice Street, during regular business hours.
Completed nominations forms are due by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on March 6. Forms may be dropped off at Municipal Office or emailed to cbirch@brighton.ca. All submissions will be reviewed and forwarded to the Community Events Committee who will select the award recipients.
A special ceremony to celebrate the award recipients and recognize community volunteers will be held on April 23 at the Owen Gibb Community Centre (75 Elizabeth Street). Nominees will be contacted directly and invited to attend. Tickets will be available to community volunteers beginning March 30.
For more information on the nomination process, visit brighton.ca.
