Nessie Awards

In order to express our gratitude, the BCA presents annual volunteer awards (Nessies) at the AGM on November 5, 2026. The timeline for the Nessies is as follows:

Nominations Open: June 1, 2026

Nominations Close: June 26, 2026

Winners Chosen August 19, 2026

Award Presentation: November 5, 2026 at the BCA AGM (Annual General Meeting)

Nominate a Volunteer Here!

Guidelines

  • Any resident or group in Bowness may nominate an individual or group for volunteerism within Bowness for contributions in 2025.
  • Any volunteer or group currently operating in Bowness is eligible for these awards.
  • All nominations will be judged by the Board of Directors of the Bowness Community Association.
  • The BCA board will only consider an individual and/or group that are submitted with a completed nomination form.

Criteria

The BCA Board will base its decision upon the following criteria:
  • Demonstrated passion & commitment to Bowness and its residents (a strong sense of civic responsibility)
  • Impact of volunteerism in Bowness and/or in the lives of its residents
  • Level of partnership and collaboration in the community
  • Inspiring individual or group that exemplifies volunteerism within Bowness
  • Enthusiasm and positive attitude toward volunteerism
  • Uniqueness and inclusiveness (involving others) of the nominee’s contributions and commitments
  • Goes ‘above and beyond’ in every circumstance

Past Winners

The ‘Nessie: BCA Volunteer of the Year
  • 2025 TBD
  • 2024 Georgette Blair
  • 2023 Linda MacRae
  • 2022 Marg Webber
  • 2021 Sophie Stocking
  • 2019 Anne Campbell
  • 2018 Andrew Moffot
  • 2017 April Vyas
  • 2016 Lucy Poirier
  • 2015 Chris Algeo
  • 2014 Carla Betzner
  • 2013 Sommer Dahlseide
  • 2012 Niki Smyth
  • 2011 Debra Wrigley
The Neighbourhood ‘Nessie: Community Contributor Volunteer of the Year
  • 2025 TBD
  • 2024 Stan Litwack
  • 2023 Marilynne Hall
  • 2022 Ealaine West
  • 2021 Tanya Bonham
  • 2019 Joylin & Keith Nodwell
  • 2018 Les Tuck
  • 2017 Trish Braaten
  • 2016 Harold Graham
  • 2015 Lisa Earle
  • 2014 Life Cycle Community Bike Shop
  • 2013 Scott & Leanne Cripps
  • 2012 Sheila Clayden
  • 2011 Morris Johanson
The Team ‘Nessie Award: Community Group Volunteerism
  • 2025 TBD
  • 2024 Dash Mesh Culture Centre
  • 2023 Simon House
  • 2022 Bowest Motors Garden
  • 2021 Bowness Soccer
  • 2019 Bowness Historical Society
  • 2018 Run Bowness
  • 2017 Bel Park School Council Learning Garden Committee
  • 2016 Christmas Dinner Committee
  • 2015 Simon House Recovery Centre
  • 2014 BASS
  • 2013 Joy Field & Family
  • 2012 Servus Credit Union
  • 2011 Bowness Lions Club