The North Shore is famously home to outdoor enthusiasts, but there are a small select few who go above and beyond in their dedication to alfresco activities.
The Tim Jones Community Achievement Award, now in its 11th year, commends those select few – the hiking group leaders, conservationists, trail builders or race organisers – whose contributions greatly benefit the outdoor community.
Think you know of someone who fits the bill? Nominations for this year’s awards have just opened, with submissions open until Feb. 6.
Co-presented by North Shore Rescue and the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, the annual award was established in 2014 to honour the legacy of North Shore Search and Rescue leader and paramedic Tim Jones.
It has since gone on to become an annual occurrence that recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to public safety, alongside the local outdoor recreation and sports communities.
Last year Anne Bethune, an adaptive ski instructor and examiner at Grouse Mountain and the president of Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports, claimed the award, while the year previous the efforts of mountaineer and community leader Jay MacArthur were recognized.
Typically the award is given only to those based on the North Shore and the Howe Sound/Whistler corridor, but this year the competition is far fiercer.
North Shore Rescue and VIMFF, recognizing that there are many worthy recipients throughout the province whose contributions have impacted the much broader outdoor community, have expanded the scope to include anyone in British Columbia.
To meet the criteria to be submitted, all nominees must have made an “outstanding contribution” in a social, environmental, educational or public safety capacity, but to not have received direct remuneration for their volunteer work or performed the commended services as part of their regular business or professional activities.
An unsung hero, the nominee must also have received little in the way of public recognition for their accomplishments.
The winner will be selected by Lindsay Jones, the wife of the late Tim Jones; North Shore Rescue member Peter Haigh; and former mayor of the District of North Vancouver mayor Richard Walton, and announced during the VIMFF opening night on Feb. 23.
Members of the public can submit their nominee on the VIMFF website.
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
