Mayor's Community Builder Award Recipients

Joan Ballenger is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the community as a volunteer, in particular, her work with Peninsula Celebrations Society. She initiated the summer outdoor concert series that continues today.

Don dedicated many long hours to help organize activities for Peninsula Celebrations Society, particularly the Town’s enormously popular Sidney/Canada Day activities which attract thousands of visitors to the community each year.

In 1990, Don joined the Memorial Park Society serving in a variety of roles and was a key member of the Sanscha Community Cultural Centre Foundation which was organized to raise funding and oversee the construction of the new Mary Winspear Community Centre.

Don was also instrumental in organizing the Sidney Lions Food Bank in 1980; two International Air Shows at the Victoria Airport in the 1990’s; the Town’s 100th Birthday Celebrations in 1991; and Miss Sidney Pageants and Town Crier Competitions.

The 2012 recipient, Mr. John Bell, has left his mark on the Town of Sidney and is recognized as the community’s Master Builder.  He sat on the Town’s Advisory Planning Commission for 18 years and the Memorial Park Society Board for 20 years.

John’s influence can be seen in a wide range of projects that include the design of the Town’s famous fishing pier, to the Arts Centre, Sidney Lawn Bowling Club House, and the special street signs on Beacon Avenue.

In addition, John has given back to the community countless times and provided his design services to many non-profit organizations.

Jeannette Hughes was a long-time resident of Sidney and an avid community volunteer. Her contributions to the community included nine years as a Town of Sidney Councillor, founding of the Annual Christmas Dinner at the Mary Winspear Centre, organizer of Access Awareness Day and a tireless advocate for establishing Sidney as one of the most accessible communities on the Island.

She also served on many committees and boards including the Advisory Planning Commission, the Town of Sidney Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, the Vancouver Island Library Board and the Sidney Sister Cities Association.

Over the course of two decades, Reg Teeney spearheaded fundraising campaigns for several major community enhancement projects including the construction of Bevan Fishing Pier and the Bench People Statues that can be found on benches throughout downtown Sidney.

A tireless volunteer, he has also served as as Chair of the Sidney Business Association and helped to establish the Sidney Street Market and Sidney Fine Art Show.

Kenny Podmore has served the community in a number of ways. He has been the Town Crier since 2003 and spent two terms as a Councillor on the Town of Sidney Council. An avid volunteer, he has contributed countless hours to the Sidney Rotary & Sidney by the Sea Rotary Clubs, Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, Peninsula Celebrations Society, and many local fundraisers.

He has also lent his time and support to many community initiatives such as the establishment of the Waterfront Walkway and the annual tribute in Beacon Park to Fallen Soldiers from the War in Afghanistan.